In an ERC funded project, the Kiers group (Evolutionary Biology, VU University) and the Shimizu group (Living Matter, AMOLF) are accepting applications for a post-doc with exceptional skills in imaging and data analysis and/or biophysical modeling to study network architecture and transport in filamentous fungi. Our program seeks to understand how the network architecture of the fungal anatomy reflects an interplay between environmental exploitation, exploration, transport, and reproduction strategies. Our focus in on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which form a nutrient trade symbiosis with the roots of most plant species.

Your duties
• Develop 2D and 3D time-lapse imaging of fungal network topologies
• Develop pipelines for extraction of network architecture and transport dynamics from our library of high-resolution network images
• Test for factors organizing fluid flow across fungal filament networks
• Develop hypotheses for how information and resources are shared across networks

• Candidates should hold a Ph.D., with a strong background in image analysis, experimental physics and/or biophysics
• Strong publication record
• Excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English
• Ability to start within 2 months

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of € 2,640- and a maximum € 3,916- in accordance with salary scale 10, depending on your education and experience.
The job profile (Onderzoeker 4) is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will be for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:
• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• considerable employer’s contribution to the ABP pension scheme
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 23,000 students. We employ more than 4,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

Cross-discipline project with VU and AMOLF
We offer a unique opportunity for a post-doc to contribute to cutting-edge research into the evolution of symbioses by working at the intersection of Evolutionary Biology (VU, Amsterdam) and Biophysics (Living Matter, AMOLF). Housed primarily at the AMOLF with Professor Shimizu, the successful candidate will have access to state of the art tools and facilities.  AMOLF is one of the top research laboratories of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I), specializing in the physics of complex matter.

https://amolf.nl/research-groups/systems-biology