Postdoc Development of a Microbial Volatile Database

What you will be doing

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop and curate a comprehensive microbial volatile database within the framework of an interdisciplinary project at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). The project is part of the KNAW Strategic Project “Ecology for Life Strategy in Open Science NIOO-KNAW”.

This postdoc project focuses on microbial volatile organic compounds and their chemical structures and activities.

The postdoc will lead the compilation, annotation, and integration of microbial volatile data, linking metabolomic profiles to microbial genomes, traits and ecological functions. The position combines microbial ecology, metabolomics, data integration, and bioinformatics, and offers close collaboration with experimental researchers working on microbe-microbe and plant–microbe interactions.

What you will be contributing

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining a structured microbial volatile database.
• Integrating metabolomic, genomic, functional, and taxonomic data.
• Supporting experimental projects through data analysis and interpretation.

What are we looking for? 

• PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, metabolomics, bioinformatics.
• Experience with microbial metabolites, biosynthetic pathways and/or (multi-)omics data analysis in the context of (synthetic) microbial ecology and disease suppression.
• Strong data management and analytical skills in combination with hands-on microbial ecology experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent command of English.

The position is full-time, initially for one year with the possibility of extension upon satisfactory performance.

What do we offer?

The position is for 27months (1FTE).

More information

Please contact Paolina Garbeva: p.garbeva@nioo.knaw.nl.

About NIOO

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.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.546 and the maximum salary is € 5.538 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.

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.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.