PhD position on avian reproductive microbiomes and immunity - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

The Rowe Group in the Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) offers a fully funded PhD position in avian microbiomes and immune function. The PhD candidate will work on an ERC-Consolidator grant project where the overarching aim is to determine whether reproductive microbiomes impact host fitness in wild animals and reveal the role of host genetics and immune functioning in shaping reproductive microbiome variability.

Project description
Animal hosts may be under strong selection to control their microbiota; A host can benefit from monitoring the species in its microbiome and shaping microbiome composition towards a beneficial (or at least neutral) community by promoting or hindering the proliferation of certain taxa. Mounting evidence suggests that the immune system plays a central role in host control of the microbiome, although currently this work is focused primarily on the microbial communities in the gut.

In this project, the PhD will investigate the potential role of the local immune system in shaping (‘controlling’) the ejaculate microbiome of male house sparrows and link variation in the microbiome to sperm quality. They will perform both correlational studies using wild birds and in vitro experiments to test: (a) whether antimicrobial activity in the ejaculate shapes the ejaculate microbiome, and (b) if variation in the microbiome impacts sperm quality. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop additional complementary research questions in line with their own interests.

What will you be doing?
The PhD position will involve fieldwork on wild birds to collect samples for analysis of microbiomes, immune function, and sperm quality, as well as performing in vitro studies to experimentally validate the impact of bacteria on avian sperm quality and the impact of antimicrobial proteins on bacterial community growth and composition. The position will also involve laboratory work, including processing of microbiome samples, immune assays, analysis of sperm quality, and bacterial culturing. The successful candidate will also be responsible for bioinformatic and statistical analysis of data, reading and writing scientific papers, supervision of students, and contributing to the scientific life at the Department. As there is scope for the candidate to develop complementary avenues of research, additional skills and tasks may also be required.

What will you be contributing?

We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and productive person, who thrives in a collaborative and international environment and is willing to work in the field and the lab and contribute intellectually to the project. The candidate should hold a MSc degree in ecology/evolution, molecular biology, microbial ecology, or a related discipline by the time of starting the position. The candidate must have excellent communication skills, including writing and presentation of research, and must be fluent in English, as this is the working language of the group.

Prior experience in the following areas is highly desirable: avian field research, immunity, sperm biology, microbiomes, and microbiology. The candidate should have an interest in bioinformatics, be comfortable working with big datasets, and have some experience with R statistical software. Possession of a valid driver’s license is preferred.

What are we offering?

This is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfaction to be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years (1.0 FTE). Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Terms of employment.

The successful candidate will receive training and supervision in all aspects of the work, from field work and molecular laboratory techniques, to statistical analysis and bioinformatics. We provide resources to join workshops aimed at improving specific skills e.g. bioinformatics, and for travel to conferences.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.901 and the maximum salary is €3.707 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P 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.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

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 PhD 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). The candidate will also work with the larger ERC project team, including other PhDs, postdocs, and research assistants, based at the NIOO, as well as with the team's international collaborators and other members of the research 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.

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