Vacancy
Postdoctoral researcher - Interacting scales in host-pathogen-superhost coevolution
Your job
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher that is eager to use spatially explicit modelling to study coevolution between phages, bacteria, and a eukaryote superhost, focusing on how feedback within and between these three ecological ‘layers’ impacts bacteriophage’s virulence. For this project, you need to have experience in mathematical modelling and/or eco-evolutionary simulations, and to be willing and able to closely collaborate with experimental biologists.
In a Sectorplan-funded collaboration between six departments of the Plant Science Group around the Theme ‘Evolution as a process of interactions between scales’, we focus on ‘Predicting transitions’ and will hire three postdocs to work on different aspects of evolutionarily interesting transitions (see also other vacancies). Here, we advertise the joint project of the chair groups Laboratory of Genetics and Laboratory of Phytopathology, focused on the prediction of evolutionary transitions in phages.
Eukaryote superhosts restructure environments, therewith favoring or opposing specific bacterial species and thus changing the availability of phage hosts. Moreover, phages and bacteria can hitchhike on mobile multicellular hosts and this movement may allow phages to access more distant bacterial hosts, which impacts selection pressures on phage virulence. In turn phage pressure on bacterial populations shapes the superhost’s microbiome, potentially limiting the superhost’s influence. In this project you will determine how specific patterns of migration, microbiome composition and environmental restructuring brought on by different superhosts (nematode, insect or plant) impact virulence in phage-bacteria coevolution. Different aspects of phage virulence, such as the ability to enter bacteria, range of bacteria that can be infected, and phage activation rate, will be described explicitly and left free to evolve in the model. This project runs parallel to and in close collaboration with experimental evolution studies of host-phage coevolution in nematodes and insects. Model runs will lead to hypotheses on likely adaptations in phage pathways, and on the correlation of phage abundance with host abundance, that can be tested in these experimental model systems. Thereby, you will contribute to fundamental understanding of feedback loops in host-parasite-superhost coevolution.
You will work here
You will work in two chair groups. The laboratory of Phytopathology studies host-pathogen interactions on different scales, and the Laboratory of Genetics studies the (evolutionary) causes and consequences of genetic variation in a wide range of model systems. Your daily supervisors will be dr. Like Fokkens and dr. Hilje Doekes, who have complementary expertise in plant-pathogen coevolution and genomics (Like Fokkens) and spatially explicit evolutionary modelling (Hilje Doekes).
Your qualities
You have a PhD degree in a relevant field, preferably in evolutionary biology with hands-on experience in modelling or in mathematical/computational biology with a strong interest in evolutionary questions. You are enthusiastic to collaborate with the two postdocs in related projects (experimental evolution and transitions in plant development) and look forward to presenting your findings both orally (at conferences) and in writing (in academic journals). You are also interested in supervising thesis students.
Job profile:
- You have demonstrable experience in mathematical modelling and/or eco-evolutionary simulations;
- You have programming experience (e.g., python, C++, or another language).
- You are enthusiastic to work on fundamental biological questions in close collaboration with experimental biologists and bioinformaticians;
- You are willing to supervise/guide undergraduate and MSc students;
- You have good oral and written communication skills, and are fluent in English;
- You contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere.
We offer you
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 December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 18th consecutive time.
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.
Do you want more information?
For more information about the contents of this position, please contact Dr. Like Fokkens, like.fokkens@wur.nl (Laboratory of Phytopathology) and/or Dr. Hilje Doekes, hilje.doekes@wur.nl (Laboratory of Genetics)
For more information about the procedure, please contact Mrs. Eline Degen, eline.degen@wur.nl.
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Applications via e-mail will not be considered.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 26 May 2025. We will schedule the first job interviews end May/beginning of June.
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.