We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on avian reproductive microbiomes at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in the group of Dr. Melissah Rowe. The postdoc will work on an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of reproductive microbiomes for host biology and fitness. Starting date is flexible, preferably between November 2025 – January 2026.
Review of applications will begin September 1, 2025. Final date for receiving applications is September 12, 2025. First round interviews are expected to take place in September.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

Suitable candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, molecular biology or related field by the time of starting the position. You will bring:

• Experience in animal-microbiome research, documented by publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• Skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis of microbiome data;
• Experience working with animals;
• Meticulous working habits and strong organisational skills;
• English communication skills, both written and spoken;
• Creativity, motivation, and curiosity in order to contribute intellectually to the project development.

All animals host microbial communities in and on their bodies, and recent studies have shown that variation in these microbiomes can have major impacts on their hosts, including effects on digestion, development, immunity, and behaviour. Indeed, microbiomes are emerging as fundamental modulators of host biology, fitness, and evolution. The study of host-associated microbiomes has, however, largely overlooked the microbial communities present in the reproductive systems of males and females (i.e., the reproductive microbiome).
In this project, the postdoctoral researcher will study the impact of microbiome variation on host survival and reproduction, with a focus on the role of the reproductive microbiome, using novel microbiota manipulation techniques in an avian model system, the house sparrow. In addition, the postdoc is expected to contribute to the project development, suggest additional lines of complementary research using our system, and can join and contribute to other projects on avian microbiomes in the research group.

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

• Setting up and running in vivo microbiota manipulations in nestling house sparrows;
• Developing and evaluating additional microbiome disruption approaches;
• Leading and conducting sample collection from house sparrows (nestlings and adults);
• Contributing to laboratory analysis of samples;
• Bioinformatic analysis of microbiome data;
• Preparation of manuscripts and dissemination of research findings;
• Assist with training other researchers, including PhD candidates, and supervising masters and bachelor student projects;
• Contributing to the friendly and collaborative environment of the research group.