Project: Genetic basis and ecological relevance of intraspecific variation in grass-microbiome interactions

Project description Aim of this project is to investigate intraspecific variation in soil microbiomes and nematode assemblages that are associated with grass species. Grasses can benefit from associating with microbes via enhanced growth, stress tolerance or disease resistance. Interaction with beneficial microbes can be important for ecological adaptation and for grass breeding. To explore this potential, the project will (1) characterize intraspecific variation in microbiome/nematode effects on grass traits in different environments; (2) determine genetic and environmental determinants in grass-microbiome/nematode community composition; and (3) perform genetic mapping to characterize the genetic basis of grass interactions with specific taxa. The research will include (molecular) microbial and genetic analyses in the lab, as well as phenotyping assays in the greenhouse and field experiments. Microbial and genetic analyses are high-throughput sequencing-based, involving endosphere and rhizosphere community characterization via rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Other methods that will be used include genotyping by sequencing, soil feedback assays, and metabolomics analysis. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Terrestrial Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and the Laboratory of Nematology (Wageningen University) and experiments will be done at both institutes.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in a relevant field of biology, for instance soil microbiology, molecular ecology or plant sciences, and with a keen interest in genetics and ecology. Good quantitative analysis skills are required, as are good communication, writing and presentation skills, and fluency in English. Experience with soil microbial community analysis and computational biology are important assets. The candidate should be able to function well in a multidisciplinary research team.

Appointment: This is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfaction to be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years (1.0 fte). The preferred starting date is January 2019.

Salary: The gross salary (based on 1 fte appointment) starts at € 2.266, - per month in the 1st year, and will gradually increase to a maximum of € 2.897, - per month in the 4th year, scale P, Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), excluding 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus.

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is an Academy research institute. It conducts ecological research on land, in the ocean and in fresh water and studies how living organisms interact with one another and their environment. NIOO stimulates biodiversity and sustainability in nature and society through its worldwide network of researchers, policymakers, conservationists and other stakeholders.