What will you be contributing?

We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and productive person, who thrives in a collaborative and international environment and is willing to work in the field and the lab and contribute intellectually to the project. The candidate should hold a MSc degree in ecology/evolution, molecular biology, microbial ecology, or a related discipline by the time of starting the position. The candidate must have excellent communication skills, including writing and presentation of research, and must be fluent in English, as this is the working language of the group.

Prior experience in the following areas is highly desirable: avian field research, immunity, sperm biology, microbiomes, and microbiology. The candidate should have an interest in bioinformatics, be comfortable working with big datasets, and have some experience with R statistical software. Possession of a valid driver’s license is preferred.

What are we offering?

This is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfaction to be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years (1.0 FTE). Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Terms of employment.

The successful candidate will receive training and supervision in all aspects of the work, from field work and molecular laboratory techniques, to statistical analysis and bioinformatics. We provide resources to join workshops aimed at improving specific skills e.g. bioinformatics, and for travel to conferences.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.901 and the maximum salary is €3.707 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P 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.

For more information

For informal inquiries and more information, do not hesitate to contact: Melissah Rowe, m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl Information on the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and the Department of Animal Ecology can be found at the website: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl/.

Application procedure
Your application (written in English) should include: (1) a motivation letter describing your reasons for pursuing a PhD with us, your research interests, your preparation for doing research in ecology and evolution, why we would be a good fit for your career plans and other aspects of your background; (2) your CV with education, past research experience and activities, awards, services, public outreach, and publications (if any); (3) names and contact details of up to 3 referees.

Only applications sent through the website will be considered. Applicants already holding a PhD will not be considered.

The deadline for applications is June 29, 2025.

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.