The postdoc position is available in the Food and Indoor Mycology group.

Fungi and bacteria drive soil functioning, such as improving soil structure, carbon sequestration and water holding capacity. These properties are important in relation to several major challenges that affect Dutch soils, such as drought (due to climate change) and pollution (e.g. high azole and nitrogen concentrations). Bacteria and fungi form the base of the soil food web, and interactions between bacteria and fungi can strongly influence the impact of anthropogenic pressures on soil functionality. The proposed research project aims to get a better understanding of stress impacts on assembly and functioning of synthetic soil-borne microbial communities. To this end, we will examine the dynamics and functional capabilities of synthetic microbial communities composed of 140 specifically selected bacterial and fungal strains grown in sterile soil under different stress conditions. The research program is novel and highly interdisciplinary, connecting mycology, bacteriology, genomics, ecology and soil health, and addresses an entirely novel approach to microbial-related adaptation of soil to climate change and pollution.

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular biological analysis of soil and/or background in theoretical (microbial) ecology, but also has interest in laboratory experiments including preparation of microcosms, microscopy as well as modelling.

The project will run in close collaboration with Dr Emilia Hannula and Dr Wietse de Boer (Guest researcher and Professor at the Netherlands Institute of Ecological Research, NIOO, at Wageningen, The Netherlands), Dr Jos Houbraken and Dr Ewald Groenewald (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute) and in close contact with several advisors.

We are looking for candidates with:

• PhD in microbiology, with experience in mycology and soil ecology
• Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written
• Team player attitude
• Experience with molecular biological analysis of soil samples
• Laboratory experience with soils and/or fungi is appreciated

According to "CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten" (CAO-NU) depending on experience, excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

Westerdijk Institute

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WES) is an independent research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), situated on the campus of the largest university in the Netherlands in Utrecht. The Westerdijk Institute studies fungal biodiversity in the widest sense, focusing on three priority areas, agriculture, human health, and industry. The institute maintains a large genetic resource of fungi and yeasts, which is exploited by seven research groups: Fungal Natural Products (Jérôme Collemare), Fungal Physiology (Ronald de Vries), Evolutionary Phytopathology (Pedro Crous), Food and Indoor Mycology (Jos Houbraken), Medical Mycology (Ferry Hagen), Collection (Gerard Verkleij) and Database and Software Development (Vincent Robert). Additional information is available on our website: www.wi.knaw.nl.

For additional information please contact Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis (j.dijksterhuis@wi.knaw.nl;
+31-30-2122654).