Postdoc position Microbe-Plant-Arthropod Interactions
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is a top research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW focuses on fundamental and strategic research on individual organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
The Department of Terrestrial Ecology offers a
Postdoc position Microbe-Plant-Arthropod Interactions
Vacancy number TE-21-04
For the project 'Effects of beneficial soil microbe inoculations on soil biodiversity, plant growth and plant resistance against aboveground pests and pathogens'.
Project description
The aim of the project is to determine the impact of inoculation of tomato and strawberry plants with selected beneficial microbes on soil biodiversity, plant growth and defense. Greenhouse studies will be used to assess effects of microbial inoculation on plant growth, plant resistance to aboveground pathogens and insect pests, and on the efficacy of pest biocontrol by natural enemies. Soil microbial analyses will be performed to assess effects on the soil microbial community. Gene expression and biochemical analyses will be used to explore mechanisms underlying the microbe-induced effects on plant growth and defense. Similar analyses can be performed on plants from field trials in Denmark and Slovenia among other countries, performed by partners in the consortium.
The project is part of the larger project EXCALIBUR (https://www.excaliburproject.eu/) funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 817946). Overall project aim of EXCALIBUR is to exploit the multifunctional potential of belowground biodiversity in horticultural farming. New multifunctional soil microbial inoculants (bio-inocula) and bio-effectors will be tested on three model crops of economic importance (tomato, apple, strawberry) under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe, and the feed-feedback effect of/on native biodiversity monitored. Excalibur will develop a comprehensive strategy of soil management improving the effectiveness of biocontrol and bio fertilization practices in agriculture.
Job description
Performing greenhouse studies with plants, beneficial microbes and insects to investigate microbe-induced effects on plant growth and defense; biochemical analyses (primary and secondary metabolites, volatile organic compounds) and gene expression analyses (qPCR) to explore mechanisms underlying microbe-induced effects; soil microbial analyses to assess effects of inoculation on soil microbial biodiversity; presentation of your work at (inter)national meetings; publishing scientific articles; supervising technical (MBO, HBO) and MSc students
Requirements
Applicants should have: a relevant PhD in plant- or microbial ecology, entomology, plant pathology, biological control, agronomy or similar; demonstrable experience with experimental work on plant biotic interactions; experience with biochemical (plant metabolites, volatile organic compounds) and/or molecular labwork (microbiomes, gene expression) and associated data-analysis, good organisational skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
Appointment
The postdoc will be hosted by the Department of Terrestrial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology in Wageningen. The position is a temporary appointment for 2.5 years and is 1.0 FTE (38 hours per week). The expected start date is 24 May 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary is based on experience according to salary scale 10 under the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten). In addition to this salary, there will be an 8% holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. We also offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.
Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically via Academic Transfer ('Apply Now' button). Please include a cover letter summarizing motivation and experience, a CV, and 1-3 professional referees (name, address, telephone & email). Deadline for applications is 9 April, 2021. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.
Questions
Questions can be directed to Dr. Arjen Biere (principal supervisor), senior researcher NIOO-KNAW, e-mail a.biere@nioo.knaw.nl. Please do not use this e-mail address to send your application.
Diversity & Inclusion
Everybody is different. Fortunately, as this makes working together more delightful and often leads to better end results. The KNAW believes in a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. 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 like to get in touch with candidates who can contribute to this culture thanks to their background and experience.
