Vacature Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) - PhD student Genetic structure of White-fronted geese

We are looking for an enthousiastic PhD student for the following research. The family Anser can be thought of as a well structured group of species but equally it can be viewed as a species swarm comprised of species that are less well defined. So the Grey lag goose is quite distinct from the White fronted goose, but on the other hand within the Bean goose two or three species may be hardly distinguishable as cryptospecies. Since crossing is possible between all Anser species and even between Anser and Branta, much gene flow is expected between the species. Yet it is unclear under which conditions gene flow is frequent and when not. The concept of supraspecies (as recently was found for ducks) and its implications for goose evolution has to be investigated. This can be of significance both for the conservation of these geese as for the understanding of their role in disease transmission.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained form Dr. Sip van Wieren, 0317-483434; sip.vanwieren@wur.nl.

We are the Resource Ecology Group and we perform research and education in community ecology of large herbivores, with particular emphasis on the interactions between herbivores and the vegetation and their role in wildlife disease ecology. This is carried out at aggregation levels ranging from plant part to ecosystem, with a world-wide geographical focus. Our main research fields are (1) rangeland ecology of large herbivores in extensively managed ecosystems, (2) conservation genetics of large herbivores, and (3) the role of vertebrates in abundance and movements of pathogens. The research approaches include model development, model testing, and experimental hypothesis testing. The main research sites are savannas, grasslands in tropical and temperate regions, and grasslands and forests in neotropical regions. Most research is carried out by post-docs and PhD students, supported by faculty. Results have a strong bearing on nature conservation and management in tropical and temperate areas.


The department of Environmental Sciences of Wageningen University provides fundamental research and academic education on our living environment: nature, landscape, land usage, adaptation to climate change, water and ocean management, and the various competing claims on space. This also includes biodiversity and the sustainability of management and production. Wageningen University is part of the Wageningen University and Research Centre concern.

Wageningen University and Research centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at www.jobsat.wur.nl.


Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.