Project description:The aim of this project, financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), is to explore the possibilities to use waste of insect-growing companies for natural control of plant-pathogenic fungi by stimulating pathogen-suppressing microorganisms in the rhizosphere of crop plants. In addition, the possibilities to use insect moulting skins and –manure as fertilizers will be examined. The research project will be carried out by a Ph.D student within a consortium consisting of two other Ph.D students (to be appointed at Wageningen University) and their supervisors.

Job description PhD: The research will involve (molecular) microbial analyses in the lab as well as bioassays in the greenhouse and field tests. The goal is to determine the relationship between soil microbes enriched with insect waste material and important ecosystem functions (disease suppression, plant nutrition). Techniques to be included are High-Throughput- and Sanger sequencing, qPCR of functional genes, stable isotope probing, (bio) chemical analyses, antagonism tests and bio-assays.

Vacancy number PhD-ME-018101

Requirements: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in a relevant field of biology with proven experience in soil microbiology/biochemistry, molecular (microbial) ecology or ecological phytopathology. Experience with analyses of soil microbial communities using molecular biological techniques and (bio) chemical techniques is recommended. Good communication, writing and presentation abilities in English are mandatory. Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analysis would be an asset. The candidate should show clear interest to convert basic research findings into applications and should be able to function well in a multidisciplinary research team

Fixed-term contract: initially for 1 year and upon satisfactory to be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years total.

Appointment: This is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfactory to be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years total. We offer a full-time position (38 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another three years.

Salary: The gross salary (based on a 1 FTE appointment) starts at €2222, - per month in the 1st year, and will gradually increase to a maximum of € 2840, - per month in the 4th year, scale P, 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 preferred starting date of the project is April 1st 2018.

NIOO-KNAW

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.

https://nioo.knaw.nl/nl