Onderzoeker vacatures in Wageningen

Solynta is an innovative, young seed company based in Wageningen that develops new, robust hybrid potato varieties grown from hybrid true potato seeds (HTPS). In the agronomy & physiology research department, we investigate how plant development and yield can be optimized when growing potatoes from hybrid true potato seed instead of conventionally used seed tubers. This includes the production of high-quality seedlings from true seeds, the effect of agronomic practices, and crop management. Moreover, we look into post-harvest tuber storability. In 2026 we have several internship possibilities on these topics.

The project work will mainly involve managing and performing a (field/greenhouse) trial, data collection, and analysis. The practical work will start in April 2026 and end in October 2026. We are therefore looking for enthusiastic Plant Science students (or students from other related study programs) to support our research through a thesis or internship during the trial period. Our ideal candidate is someone who is both keen on conducting field trials on agronomy research, and also has experience in field work and knowledge in data collection and analysis.

Please indicate in your motivation your preferred start date.

Projects

• Project 1: Cold tolerance

In this trial, the aim is to determine the effect of cold on seedlings and directly sown seeds. before field transplanting and assess the impact of the treatments on seedling vigour as well as establishment. Start around March.

• Project 2: Seed quality

In this trial, the aim is to optimize the seed germination and early development, multiple treatments to improve the seed germination are tested under different conditions. Start around April.

The duration of the internships is a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 months.

Job Responsibilities

• Executing various measurements in the greenhouse, field, and at the processing location
• Assist and work closely with other teams and researchers to gather data
• Analysing and reporting on the trial
• Presenting the results to the team

What we offer you:

• A dynamic internship with varied working environments (Office, Greenhouse and Field)
• Internship compensation
• Travel allowance
• Hybrid working possibilities
• The chance to contribute to a revolutionary change in potato cultivation in a young and motivated team of professionals.

This internship position is not specifically designed as a graduation internship, but feel free to send us your own ideas if you think there's a match with your graduation internship requirements.

What we ask:

• Bachelor or Master student in Biology or Plant Sciences
• Willingness to do physical labour in the field
• Experience with data analysis (preferably in R)
• Driver's license (B) is required
• Willingness to drive vans is preferred
• Very good command of the English language
• Ability to work independently
• Collaborative and flexible attitude

For more information, contact Marieke Datema (Junior Agronomy Researcher).

Solynta leads the potato breeding world with innovative hybrid potato breeding technology. With this technology, we unlock the true potential of the potato, and improve grower well-being and food security worldwide.