Are you the enthusiastic scientist who wants to carry out computational analyses of microbial genome data to gain insight into evolutionary aspects of prokaryotic micro-organisms? Then we are looking for you!

The research group of Prof. Dr. Thijs J. G. Ettema is looking for a highly motivated and curiosity-driven expert on phylogenomics at the postdoctoral level. The candidate is expected to have experience in phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses of large-scale biological (microbial) sequence datasets. The aim of the project is to gain new insights into evolutionary and physiological aspects of prokaryotic micro-organisms. The project builds on the recently discovered Asgard archaea, a deeply-branching archaeal superphylum that currently represents the closest prokaryotic relative of eukaryotes in the Tree of Life (e.g. see Spang et al., Nature 521, 173-178 (2015) and Zaremba-Niedzwiedzka et al. Nature 541, 353-357 (2017)).

• You have a PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computer science, Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Life Sciences or a related field, with a keen interest in the field of Microbiology;
• you have documented experience in (large-scale) computational analyses of biological sequence data and phylogenetics/phylogenomics analyses, preferentially of microbial genome data;
• you are an ambitious and enthusiastic scientist with the ability to work together in multidisciplinary team in an international environment and to work independently;
• you are a person with a pro-active attitude, and good communication and presentation skills;
• excellent communication and writing skills in English.

The successful applicant will be employed at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research. Salary and working conditions are according to the collective labor agreement of the Cooperative Association of Dutch Universities (VSNU). You receive a temporary contract for a period of 3 years (with a possible extension of 1 more year) with a gross salary per month from a minimum of € 2927,- to a maximum of € 4274,- for a full working week of 38 hours.

You are expected to dedicate some of your time to teaching by supervision of BSc and MSc students (and PhD students for postdoctoral researchers), and by participation in teaching activities.
Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural end-of year bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours that we determine together in good consultation;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes, e.g. the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra for extra leave;
• a flexible model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace on the Wageningen Campus;
• make use of the sports facilities on campus for a small fee.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with our internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment. With us you get a versatile job in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The Microbial Evolution group, headed by Prof. Dr. Thijs J. G. Ettema, was recently established within the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University (see http://www.ettemalab.org/ for details).
The Laboratory of Microbiology is engaged in research and education in the diversity, evolution, ecology, cell biology and physiology of microorganisms. Moreover, it contributes to the exploitation of the generated knowledge in the application areas of Health & Food, Bioproducts & Energy and Environment & Sustainability. The Microbial Evolution group studies the diversity, physiology and evolution of prokaryotes by using state-of-the-art (meta)genomics and cultivation approaches.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.
With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen. We have been named Best Employer in Education category 2019-2020.

Click here for more information about working at Wageningen University & Research.

More information about Wageningen Campus you can find here.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.