Vacature
Postdoctoral researcher in Phage evolution in superhost presence
Your job
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher that is eager to discover how movement through spatial structure due to phage hitchhiking affects bacteriophage’s evolution. For this project, you can demonstrate experience in the field of genetics and are able to perform evolutionary experiments including the analysis of genetic data.
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 Virology and Laboratory of Nematology, focused on the prediction of evolutionary transitions in phages. Recent discoveries of phage hitchhiking on motile organisms show that phages are less spatially restricted than originally thought, and we aim to understand and predict how this affects phage ‘s biology and evolution.
In this project we aim to elucidate phage evolution in 2D and 3D habitats where phage hitchhiking on superhosts such as nematodes and insects, will help phages to overcome spatial barriers. As a postdoc in this project, you will perform and analyse laboratory and greenhouse experiments using a combination of microbiology, virology and sequencing approaches. Thereby, you will contribute to fundamental understanding of how spatial structure and hitchhiking-driven mixing underly the evolution of phages.
You will work here
You will work in two chair groups. The Laboratory of Nematology studies nematodes in a context of plant, soil, animal- and human health. To understand soil ecosystems, the group addresses fundamental questions about nematode-microbe (incl. viruses) interactions. The Laboratory of Virology focuses on plant viruses, arboviruses and insect viruses, aiming to unravel the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying virus-host and virus-vector interactions. Your daily supervisors will be dr. Lisa van Sluijs and dr. ir. Astrid Bryon, who have complementary expertise in nematode-virus interactions and genetics (Lisa van Sluijs) and insect-virus interactions and virus discovery (Astrid Bryon).
Your qualities
You have a PhD degree in a relevant field, preferably in evolution and/or microbiology with hands-on experience in sequencing data analyses. You are enthusiastic to collaborate with the two postdocs in related projects (modelling and bioinformatics) and look forward to presenting your findings both orally (at conferences) and written (in academic journals). You would also be interested to share your qualities by teaching and supervising thesis students.
Job profile:
- You are experienced with evolutionary experiments in the laboratory and/or greenhouse settings;
- You are skilled in the analysis of sequencing data (e.g. Nanopore and/or Illumina);
- You have affinity with mathematics/modelling performed by your fellow postdocs;
- You are enthusiastic to work on biological questions related to phage hitchhiking in insects and nematodes;
- 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. Lisa van Sluijs, lisa.vansluijs@wur.nl (Laboratory of Nematology) and/or Dr. Astrid Bryon, astrid.bryon@wur.nl (Laboratory of Virology)
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.