Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Suppression of Microbial Contamination in Orchid Propagation

You will work on the project “Towards Orchid Propagation that is Free of Microbial Contamination: Green and Sustainable Solutions” (TOP-MASS)—a public-private partnership funded by the TKI Agrifood program and industrial partners.

While many microbes benefit plants, certain species cause contamination during the propagation of orchids. These microbes grow on the synthetic growth medium, rendering plants unsuitable for sale or transport. In collaboration with our industrial partners, we will identify the microbes responsible, trace contamination sources, and develop sustainable methods—such as bacteriophages and natural products—to suppress them.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead this research. Your responsibilities will include:

• Using microbiological and molecular techniques to identify and characterize contaminating strains;
• Building a collection of problem-causing microorganisms to test interventions;
• Developing and evaluating suppression strategies;
• Collaborating closely with industry partners by receiving and analyzing samples and contributing to their efforts;
• Analyzing research data and preparing reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

You have a background in phytopathology, microbial ecology, molecular microbiology, or a related field. You bring:

• Experience in culturing and characterizing diverse microorganisms;
• Skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis of microbial data;
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset and motivation to work in applied research with industry;
• Meticulous working habits and strong organizational skills.

Experience with bacteriophage or natural product research is considered a plus.

What are we offering?

We offer a 2-year, parttime (24 hours per week) postdoctoral position in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. You will be part of the Department of Microbial Ecology, home to approximately 60 researchers.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3.378 and the maximum salary is €5.331 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 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.