Are you the enthusiastic PhD scientist who wants to work on unraveling microbial ecological processes in relation to biodegradation of organic carbon in slow sand filtration? Then we are looking for you!!

The PhD position is part of the NWO-funded project 'Slow sand filtration for the next century' within the Partnership Program on Sand Filtration. The project uses a multidisciplinary approach to better understand the microbiological and physical-chemical processes in slow sand filtration (SSF) and aims at novel designs and operation of SSF to improve the microbiological water quality. The project is a collaboration between TU Delft (Department of Water Management) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR)(Molecular Ecology group within the Laboratory of Microbiology). The applicant that will be appointed in Wageningen will work on unraveling microbial ecological processes in relation to biodegradation of organic carbon in slow sand filtration, using latest state-of-the-art molecular biological and cultivation methods. The applicant will work in close collaboration with the PhD student that will be appointed at TU Delft and who will work on novel innovative civil engineering strategies to improve SSF.

• you have a Master degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Life Sciences or related field;
• you have a background in microbial ecology and with advanced knowledge on microbial community composition analysis and metagenomics;
• experience with bacterial cultivation and / or stable isotope probing is beneficial;
• the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team in an international environment and to work independently;
• you are a person with a pro-active attitude and good communication - and presentation skills;
• you have excellent English communication skills, orally as well as in scientific writing.

The successful applicant will be employed at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research. Salary and working conditions are according to the collective labor agreement of the Cooperative Association of Dutch Universities (VSNU) for PhD students. You receive a temporary contract for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2325,-. in the first year rising up to € 2972,-. per month in the fourth year.
Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.
In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus;
• a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The Molecular Ecology group, headed by Prof. Dr. Hauke Smidt, is established within the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University. Research aims at understanding and exploring the functioning of microorganisms in natural and man-made ecosystems, including interdependencies with their living and non-living environments. Key research issues include microbiota associated with body surfaces (gut, skin, mouth), microbial communities in environmental biotechnology and man-made water systems and microbes and their cellular biomarkers as proxies for ecosystem life history and environmental change, embracing a OneHealth perspective. Activities focus on innovative cultivation-based and molecular approaches aimed at understanding microbial composition and functionality at the system level, including the application of next-generation sequencing.
The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on "Healthy food in a biobased society". We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at http://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.