Job - Post-doc Position - Molecular Microbiologist

Microorganisms residing in soils have the potential to produce numerous compounds and enzymes for human benefit, including antibacterial agents (e.g. antibiotics) and antioxidants. Although cultivation-based approaches have yielded a variety of such useful compounds, the majority of microbial functions still remained locked in the not-yet-cultivated majority of microorganisms. In the past years, new cultivation-independent approaches, so called metagenomic strategies, have been developed that allow for the capture of novel microbial functions without the isolations of the organisms themselves. Although metagenomics holds great promise in expanding our ability to exploit microbial functions, such approaches are hampered by the extreme biodiversity of soil communities, making it extremely tedious and time consuming to screen metagenomic libraries for genes and functions of interest. The current project seeks to explore new strategies for the more efficient recovery of gene targets and functions, particularly those yielding new antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. To this end, novel gene expression, positive functional screening and high through-put genetic assay approaches will be developed. The project will facilitate, and is closely linked to, 2 other sub-projects in the BE-Basic project “Intelligent genomic mining for antibacterial and antioxidant compounds via ecology-based screening of terrestrial microbes”.

The project is financed in the framework of the BE-Basic program.

Ph.D degree in a relevant field is required. We are looking for a highly motivated, creative and responsible candidate with expertise in meta-genomics and/or genomics-based screening techniques.  A strong publication record is essential as are the interpersonal skills required to work within the close-knit structure of the project. Experience with applied projects and coordination skills are highly appreciated.

Salary depends on training and work experience, the maximum gross monthly salary of a full-time appointment is € 3.755,00 scale 10, Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten), excluding 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a top research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW focuses on fundamental and strategic research into individual organisms, populations, ecological communities, and ecosystems. The mission is to carry out excellent research in ecology.

More information on the project can be obtained from Prof. Dr. George A. Kowalchuk (g.kowalchuk@nioo.knaw.nl or  Tel. +31-317-473478). Information on NIOO can be found on the Internet: www.nioo.knaw.nl