Postdoc position in Fungal Ecology & Fungal Biology

at  Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

• O2 Gebouw
• Amsterdam
• 0,8 / 1
• Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen
• Onderzoeker / Postdoc
• Postdoctoraal
• Sluit op15-10-2024
• Publicatiedatum23-09-2024
  Are you looking for a post-doc position at the intersection between fungal ecology, fungal biology and bioinformatics? The Kokkoris group (A-Life, VU Amsterdam) in Amsterdam, NL is accepting applications for a 3 years fully-funded Post-doc position.

JOUW FUNCTIE

Are you looking for a post-doc position at the intersection between fungal ecology, fungal biology and bioinformatics? Do you enjoy developing new methods and performing quantitative biology and data analysis? The Kokkoris group (A-Life, VU Amsterdam) in Amsterdam, NL is accepting applications for a 3 years fully-funded Post-doc position. Applicants must have a basic understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal biology and ecology and must be experienced with fungal cultivation, eDNA, bio-informatics, data analysis and programming (e.g., R, Python or/and MATLAB). The position will start January 2024.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form one of the most widespread terrestrial symbiosis on earth with the roots of host plants, known broadly as the mycorrhizal symbiosis. AMF can connect with one another and with multiple plants, forming large underground common mycorrhizal networks where carbon and nutrients are exchanged. In contrast to most organisms where a single cell carries a single nucleus, a single AMF cell holds thousands of nuclei. This mysterious multinucleate biology has generated open questions in evolutionary biology. Recent discoveries in in-vitro grown AMF, demonstrate the existence of a carefully regulated genetic system, but we still do not know how these numerous nuclei can be organized with such precision in these large interconnected cells, how compatible or competitive interconnected strains affect the fitness of their plant hosts, and whether the respond in the same way in nature.

JOUW PROFIEL

• you successfully completed a PhD in Molecular biology, Microbial ecology or a related field, with a strong interest in eDNA, data analysis and bioinformatics
• you have clear affinity with the topic of the postdoc project
• you have excellent programming and bioinformatic skills in R studio/Python/MATLAB
• you have excellent verbal and written English language skills
• you have experience with in-vitro culturing of fungi (experience with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is preferred)
• you are a team player with good communicative abilities
  As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
  We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

JOUW FUNCTIE

Are you looking for a post-doc position at the intersection between fungal ecology, fungal biology and bioinformatics? Do you enjoy developing new methods and performing quantitative biology and data analysis? The Kokkoris group (A-Life, VU Amsterdam) in Amsterdam, NL is accepting applications for a 3 years fully-funded Post-doc position. Applicants must have a basic understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal biology and ecology and must be experienced with fungal cultivation, eDNA, bio-informatics, data analysis and programming (e.g., R, Python or/and MATLAB). The position will start January 2024.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form one of the most widespread terrestrial symbiosis on earth with the roots of host plants, known broadly as the mycorrhizal symbiosis. AMF can connect with one another and with multiple plants, forming large underground common mycorrhizal networks where carbon and nutrients are exchanged. In contrast to most organisms where a single cell carries a single nucleus, a single AMF cell holds thousands of nuclei. This mysterious multinucleate biology has generated open questions in evolutionary biology. Recent discoveries in in-vitro grown AMF, demonstrate the existence of a carefully regulated genetic system, but we still do not know how these numerous nuclei can be organized with such precision in these large interconnected cells, how compatible or competitive interconnected strains affect the fitness of their plant hosts, and whether the respond in the same way in nature.

JOUW PROFIEL

• you successfully completed a PhD in Molecular biology, Microbial ecology or a related field, with a strong interest in eDNA, data analysis and bioinformatics
• you have clear affinity with the topic of the postdoc project
• you have excellent programming and bioinformatic skills in R studio/Python/MATLAB
• you have excellent verbal and written English language skills
• you have experience with in-vitro culturing of fungi (experience with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is preferred)
• you are a team player with good communicative abilities
  As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
  We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

YOUR DUTIES

• develop and test methods for detection of AMF molecular markers using environmental DNA (eDNA)
• model of the hyphal network organization of interconnected strains
• perform large scale greenhouse experiments to examine how fungal strain connectivity or incompatibility affects plant response
• communicate your research in local and international conferences
• write several scientific articles
• assist in (minor) teaching activities within the department
• contribute to the team spirit and help others achieve their goals

YOUR DUTIES

• develop and test methods for detection of AMF molecular markers using environmental DNA (eDNA)
• model of the hyphal network organization of interconnected strains
• perform large scale greenhouse experiments to examine how fungal strain connectivity or incompatibility affects plant response
• communicate your research in local and international conferences
• write several scientific articles
• assist in (minor) teaching activities within the department
• contribute to the team spirit and help others achieve their goals