Research Assistant on avian ecology - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

You will participate in the research activities underway in the Rowe Group. This work is primarily focused on understanding the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of variation in avian microbiomes. The role includes working in the laboratory, working with captive aviary birds, supporting the research team in sample and data management, and some fieldwork. In the lab, you will process microbiome samples for sequencing, perform immune assays, analyse avian sperm quality, and perform bacterial culturing. Additional lab assays may be included over the course of the project. Ideally you will also be involved in the optimisation of laboratory methodologies and developing best practices for analyses. The work with captive birds (house sparrows) includes the breeding and care of young birds, sampling of adult birds, and supporting work on the development of microbiome transplant techniques. For fieldwork, you will play a supporting role by helping to prepare for field expeditions and assisting with fieldwork for short periods (we anticipate fieldwork comprising around 20% of the workload). Fieldwork involves catching of wild house sparrows and will primarily take place in the Netherlands.

For all aspects of the work, good communication with all members of the research team is important. As a member of the research team, you will also be involved in scientific discussions surrounding the research and you will be encouraged to contribute to the development of ideas and methodologies. You will work in a team consisting of PhDs, postdocs, and researchers from NIOO-KNAW, and collaborators from Imperial College London (UK) and Kent State University (USA).

We are looking for a motivated and productive person that is keen to be part of a highly collaborative research team. The candidate should have completed a BSc (for example with a life sciences degree at an applied university) or MSc degree in evolutionary ecology or biology. Experience with laboratory work is essential, and an affinity for molecular research is highly preferred. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and be fluent in English, as this is the working language of the group. Experience with handing birds and/or field work is preferred, as is a driving license (B).

What do we offer
We offer an interesting and varied position in a stimulating research environment for 4 days per week (0.8FTE). The appointment is initially for 2 years, with possibility of extension for an additional 1 to 2 years. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2025 (or as mutually agreed). Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Terms of employment.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.899,- and the maximum salary is €3.809,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 7 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

The research assistant will be embedded in the Rowe Group within the Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), located in Wageningen, the Netherlands (https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/research-groups/rowe-group).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.

More information
For more information, informal enquires can be directed to Dr Melissah Rowe, m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl. Information on the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and the Department of Animal Ecology can be found at the website: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl/.

Application procedure
To apply, please submit (in English):

• A cover letter indicating your motivation and relevant experience for the position
• Your CV
• The names of 2-3 professional referees (name, address, telephone & email).

The deadline for applications is February 24th, 2025. The first round of interviews is planned for March 10th and 11th.