Postdoctoral Fellow Genomics & Pelagic Gastropods

Have you completed your PhD? Are you eager to enrich knowledge on biodiversity as a postdoc? Then Naturalis in Leiden is the place for you. Pursuing a postdoc at Naturalis means working on research with a truly global impact. With state-of-the-art museum collections and lab facilities, many inspiring colleagues and access to our international network, Naturalis offers everything you need to strengthen your career as a scientist.

As a postdoctoral fellow at Naturalis

• You will have ample opportunities to showcase and share your research and results widely, through publications, presentations, or with partners in our international network.
• You will receive strong support, with access to our dedicated Research Coordination Office.
• You will build valuable professional connections by participating in both the academic and social activities of our PhD- and postdoc community. Furthermore, through our collaborations with diverse partners, you will strengthen your international profile.

This is what you'll be doing
Are you a motivated postdoc with experience in evolutionary genomics and an interest in advancing genomics for better understanding of key species and processes taking place in our ocean? Pelagic gastropods are some of the most abundant animals on our planet and are vulnerable to ocean acidification and warming. At the same time, the presence of a fossil record makes them well-suited for evolutionary and phylogenomic analyses (e.g. Peijnenburg et al. 2020 “The origin and diversification of pteropods precede past perturbations in the Earth’s carbon cycle”).

Building up on a worldwide collection of samples and ample genomic and transcriptomic data present in the research group, there is great potential for valuable discoveries by taking our genomic research to the next level. We are looking for someone capable of spearheading this effort and, in this way, building their profile as an independent researcher. If you would like to discuss potential projects and research ideas, do not hesitate to contact Katja Peijnenburg (katja.peijnenburg@naturalis.nl).

Together with your dedicated supervisor, you will have the opportunity to organize all aspects of your postdoctoral trajectory. You will actively share your findings through scientific publications and presentations. Additionally, you'll have the chance to teach or mentor students if you wish. Through our programs and collaborations with universities, you'll not only deepen your own expertise but also contribute to the development of young researchers.

Here's what we have to offer

• A gross monthly salary of € 3,768.00 to € 4,897.00 gross/month for a full-time contract (36 hours).
• End-of-year bonus of 3.4% of your gross annual salary and 8% holiday pay.
• Time off thanks to 27 days of leave per year with full-time employment. Plus 1 extra day that you can use for a holiday that is important to you.
• Travel allowance. Are you travelling by public transport, bicycle or on foot? Then you get € 0.21 per kilometer. For commuting by car you get € 0.125 per kilometer.
• Pension scheme via PFZW, where Naturalis pays 60% of your premium.
• Plenty of development opportunities. We support your growth and give you unlimited access to the online training platform Goodhabitz.
• Fascinating knowledge events. These help you stay up to date on the latest developments in both your own field and outside it, such as our lectures and gatherings on various (scientific) topics. You can also attend – or take part in – the fascinating internal information session Naturalis Draait Door.
• Nice extras such as discounts on software and hardware for private use, collective health insurance plans, and a bicycle scheme. You’ll also enjoy discounts in our museum restaurant and unlimited free access to our award-winning museum for you and your family.
• Fun team outings. We also get together for drinks every month, organize an annual BBQ and a fantastic New Year's party. Not your scene? That's fine too, of course. All team activities are voluntary.
• A unique work environment in a state-of-the-art building where you will feel proud to work every single day – we guarantee it!

The world lies at your feet!
Literally. Whatever your role may be, you contribute to the preservation of our planet on a daily basis. Naturalis Biodiversity Center

• is the national research and knowledge institute and a key player in biodiversity data and infrastructures;
• houses one of the largest natural history collections in the world;
• welcomes 500,000 museum visitors per year;
• collaborates with universities, expertise centres and museums around the world;
• has a staff of diverse colleagues in various functions and with many different nationalities, with whom you will work together in an informal atmosphere.

This is your team
Within the research group Marine Evolution and Ecology, you work closely together with Katja Peijnenburg. At Naturalis, you will be part of our PhD- and postdoc community — a close-knit group of around 50 PhD candidates and postdocs with whom you can share experiences and participate in training sessions and workshops. And of course, for those interested, there are plenty of social activities outside of work as well.

What you bring to the table
You have a passion for using your technical and analytical skills to address important questions in evolutionary biology and/or marine science. You are proficient at interdisciplinary communication and able to explain your approaches and the implications of your work to non-genomics experts. You are capable of conducting independent research, working in an organized manner, and structuring your approach effectively. At the same time, you know when to seek help when necessary. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners, and you actively maintain both your internal and external networks. You are skilled at identifying opportunities and engaging others with your ideas. Additionally, you can translate complex topics into compelling narratives, making them accessible even to those outside of the scientific community.

In addition, you have:

• A completed PhD in evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics or a related field.
• Experience in generating and analyzing ‘omics data, particularly in non-model species.
• Strong bioinformatics expertise: e.g., genome assembly and/or phylogenomic analysis.
• Solid grounding in evolutionary biology; familiarity with marine or invertebrate genomics is a plus.
• A strong publication record representing innovative, high-quality research.
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills.
• Experience in mentoring students or early-career researchers, or willingness to develop these skills.

Become our new postdoctoral fellow

• Upload your CV (max 3 pages) and motivation letter (max. 2 pages) in one PDF including the names and contact details of two referees via the application button no later than November 20th, 2025.
• The interview date will be on Friday, December 12th, 2025.
• Want to know more about the position before you apply? Send an email to katja.peijnenburg@naturalis.nl.
• For more information about the application procedure, you can send an email to our colleagues in the HR department via sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.

We are managing the recruitment for this vacancy ourselves; unsolicited acquisition is therefore not desired.