Research Assistant

Your job

Do you want to help shape the future of global agriculture by developing next‑generation CRISPR tools designed specifically for crop improvement? Then this role as research assistant might be just for you!

The Laboratory of Microbiology (Wageningen University & Research) is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Research Assistant to support the development of next‑generation CRISPR gene‑editing tools built specifically for crop improvement. This position is part of the Commencing CRISPR Commons project, funded by the Gates Foundation, which aims to establish a plant‑optimized, freedom‑to‑operate genome editing platform based on the ThermoCas9 nuclease.

CRISPR/Cas systems originate from prokaryotic immune pathways and have been widely adapted for biotechnology, yet none have been engineered from the ground up for plant applications. The Commencing CRISPR Commons project addresses this gap by focusing on ThermoCas9, a divergent RNA‑programmable nuclease identified by our teams and proposed as the foundation for an accessible, globally deployable gene‑editing toolkit.

Although ThermoCas9 offers unique advantages, its current activity is lower than that of widely used nucleases such as SpCas9. Recent work at WUR has established robust platforms for protein engineering, directed evolution, and high‑throughput functional screening to improve ThermoCas9 performance. This project will generate enhanced ThermoCas9 variants and provide the foundational data needed to launch the first version of the CRISPR Commons toolkit.

You will be a key contributor to the ThermoCas9 engineering pipeline, responsible for the molecular and biochemical workflows that enable high‑throughput variant testing.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• clone, express and purify ThermoCas9 variants into microbial expression vectors;
• support microbial selection and screening platforms;
• perform biochemical assays to assess nuclease activity, stability, and specificity;
• maintain plasmid libraries, strain collections, and detailed experimental records;
• collaborate with researchers across WUR and contribute to data interpretation.

Your team

Within this project, you will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow to achieve the project’s aims, under the supervision of another postdoctoral fellow and the principal investigator. As part of the Commencing CRISPR Commons project, you will collaborate with our international partners, forming a dynamic research environment that contributes to a globally impactful initiative. You will also be embedded in an inspiring, interdisciplinary team within the Laboratory of Microbiology, advancing the next generation of CRISPR tools.

You will work here

The Laboratory of Microbiology engages in research and education focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of the diversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microorganisms and their viruses. The fundamental knowledge we generate is used in various disciplines, including health & food, bioproducts & energy, and the natural environment & sustainability. Our work contributes to exploring the potential of nature and improve the quality of life.

Your qualities

• you hold a MSc degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Life Sciences, Biobased Sciences, or have a related background (PhD degree is a plus);
• you have hands-on experience with molecular cloning, protein purification and biochemistry laboratory techniques;
• proactive, independent, and eager to work on a challenging scientific problem.

You also possess:

• familiarity with CRISPR systems or nuclease characterization is a strong plus;
• experience with protein purification, microbial selection or screening platforms is desirable;
• strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B to C.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3382,-. and €4484,-.for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 8). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended, if possible within (company) organizational circumstances, on good performance.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

Coming from abroad

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Raymond Staals by email: Raymond.staals@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, by email: Evelien.janssen@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply up to and including 4 May 2026.

Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 13 April 2026.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.