Postdoc Position: Evolution of Taste Receptors in Specialist Insect–Plant Interactions at Wageningen University, Netherlands (2026)
The position is hosted within the renowned Laboratory of Entomology at Wageningen University and offers an outstanding opportunity to work at the forefront of insect-plant coevolution research.
Applications are open until 30 June 2026.
About the Research Project
Plants and insect herbivores have been engaged in an evolutionary arms race for millions of years. Plants evolve toxic chemical defenses to deter herbivores, while insects develop detoxification mechanisms and specialized sensory systems to locate and exploit suitable host plants.
This project seeks to understand one of the most fascinating aspects of this coevolutionary process:
How do butterflies use taste receptors to recognize their host plants?
The successful postdoctoral researcher will investigate the evolution and function of butterfly taste receptor neurons and determine how these sensory systems contribute to host-plant specialization.
Study System: Monarch Butterflies
The research focuses on the iconic:
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Monarch butterflies lay their eggs almost exclusively on milkweed plants containing:
Cardenolides
These toxic plant compounds are harmful to many organisms, but monarch butterflies have evolved specialized adaptations that allow them to tolerate and exploit these plants.
The project aims to identify how monarch butterflies detect these compounds and how sensory adaptations influence insect-plant coevolution.
Research Objectives
The project combines molecular biology, sensory physiology, and evolutionary ecology to answer several key questions:
Which plant compounds activate butterfly taste receptors?
How do specialized taste neurons contribute to host-plant selection?
How have sensory systems evolved alongside plant chemical defenses?
What role do taste receptors play in insect-plant coevolution?
The findings will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving biodiversity and ecosystem evolution.
Research Methods
The project utilizes cutting-edge experimental approaches.
Cell-Based Receptor Assays
Candidate taste receptor genes will be expressed in laboratory cell systems to test their responses to plant compounds.
These experiments will identify:
Receptor sensitivity
Ligand specificity
Ecological relevance of detected compounds
CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
The researcher will create mutant monarch butterflies lacking specific receptor genes.
This will allow direct testing of:
Host-plant recognition behavior
Oviposition preferences
Feeding decisions
Sensory neuron function
The combination of molecular and behavioral experiments offers a unique opportunity to connect genes, neurons, behavior, and evolution.
Evolutionary and Phylogenetic Analysis
The project also includes:
Comparative analyses of receptor evolution
Phylogenetic investigations
Evolutionary interpretation of sensory adaptations
These approaches will help explain how insect sensory systems diversify alongside plant chemical defenses.
Research Environment
The position is based within the:
Laboratory of Entomology
at Wageningen University & Research.
The laboratory is internationally recognized for research in:
Insect ecology
Evolutionary biology
Chemical ecology
Host-parasite interactions
Insect-plant interactions
The project is led by: Prof. Bregje Wertheim
and co-supervised by: Dr. Alexander Haverkamp
an expert in sensory ecology and insect chemosensation.
Graduate School Affiliation
The successful candidate will also be affiliated with:
PE&RC Graduate School
(Plant Sciences, Ecology and Evolution)
PE&RC provides:
Advanced scientific training
Professional development courses
International networking opportunities
Career support
This affiliation strengthens both scientific and career development prospects.
Main Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
Conduct independent research on insect taste receptors
Perform molecular and behavioral experiments
Develop and implement receptor assays
Apply CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing approaches
Analyze evolutionary and phylogenetic datasets
Publish research in international journals
Present findings at conferences
Supervise PhD candidates
Supervise MSc and BSc students
Assist with teaching activities
The role combines research excellence, mentorship, and academic development.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualification
PhD in:
Biology
Neurobiology
Evolutionary Ecology
Entomology
Or a related discipline
Required Expertise
Candidates should demonstrate experience in:
Sensory ecology
Evolutionary biology
Molecular biology
Chemical ecology
Particularly valuable skills include:
Cell receptor assays
Behavioral analysis
Phylogenetic analysis
Insect sensory physiology
Additional Qualifications
WUR is also interested in candidates who have:
Scientific publication experience
Strong communication skills
Grant-writing ambitions
Interest in securing independent research funding
Applicants should be creative, proactive, and comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams.
Language Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
English Language Proficiency
Minimum level: C1
The international working environment at Wageningen University requires strong scientific communication skills in English.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Benefits
WUR offers an excellent employment package including:
8.3% year-end bonus
Excellent pension scheme
Sabbatical leave opportunities
Study leave
Partially paid parental leave
Flexible working arrangements
Access to campus sports facilities
Contract Details
Employment Type
Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Hours
30–38 hours per week
Contract Duration
Initial one-year contract with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance.
Location
Wageningen, Netherlands
International Researchers Welcome
Wageningen University provides extensive support for international researchers, including:
Visa and immigration assistance
Relocation support
Housing guidance
Banking support
Schooling information
Dual-career assistance
Eligible international employees may also benefit from the Dutch 30% tax ruling, which can significantly increase net income.
Why This Position Is Unique
This project combines several exciting research areas:
Insect neurobiology
Evolutionary ecology
Chemical ecology
Sensory biology
CRISPR genetics
Insect-plant interactions
Few postdoctoral opportunities offer such a comprehensive integration of molecular biology, behavior, sensory physiology, and evolutionary theory.
Researchers interested in understanding how biodiversity evolves through species interactions will find this position particularly rewarding.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University recruitment portal.
Applicants should prepare:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter
Academic Documents
Supporting Materials
Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Preferred Internal Application Date: 19 June 2026
- Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
- Employment Fraction: 30–38 hours per week
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main focus of this postdoctoral project?
The project investigates how monarch butterflies use taste receptors to recognize toxic host plants and how these sensory systems evolved through insect-plant coevolution.
2. Which butterfly species is used in the research?
The project focuses on the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a specialist herbivore adapted to cardenolide-containing milkweed plants.
3. What techniques will be used?
The research combines:
Cell-based receptor assays
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
Behavioral experiments
Phylogenetic analyses
Chemical ecology approaches
4. Is prior experience with CRISPR required?
While experience with molecular biology techniques is highly valuable, expertise in sensory ecology, receptor assays, and evolutionary biology is equally important.
5. What salary does the position offer?
The salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
6. Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Wageningen University strongly encourages international applicants and provides relocation and immigration support.
7. Will the postdoc supervise students?
Yes. The researcher will help supervise PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students and contribute to teaching activities.
8. Is grant-writing experience required?
No, but experience with or interest in applying for independent research funding is appreciated.
9. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 30 June 2026.
10. Why is this project important?
The project will reveal fundamental mechanisms underlying insect-plant coevolution, a major driver of biodiversity and ecosystem evolution.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoc Position in Evolution of Taste Receptors in Specialist Insect–Plant Interactions at Wageningen University offers a rare opportunity to combine evolutionary biology, sensory ecology, neurobiology, and molecular genetics in a cutting-edge research environment.
With access to world-class facilities, international collaborations, and one of the world's leading agricultural and biological research institutions, this position provides an excellent platform for advancing a career in evolutionary and sensory biology.
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