Two Postdocs at Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Naturalis Biodiversity Center is searching for

Two Postdocs to study spatial and temporal variability of marine biodiversity using an eDNA or metabarcoding approach

In collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Leiden University (CML), Naturalis

develops the Netherlands Center for Genetic Biodiversity Assessments, combining world leading expertise on taxonomy, ecology and genetics. Using our extended DNA reference collections, our high-tech lab facilities and our bioinformatics pipelines, we continuously improve and apply genetic biodiversity assessments, making them more rapid, accurate, reliable and cost effective. Applications are in freshwater quality, marine benthic surveys, soil fertility diagnosis, air pollen distribution or invasive species surveillance. Genetic assessments are already widely used for impact analyses.

To strengthen our marine activities on DNA biomonitoring, Naturalis is searching for two postdocs within the research team Marine Biodiversity. The postdocs will execute their own research projects and thereby contribute to the optimization of molecular techniques and protocols for genetic identification and detection of marine species and communities. They will also develop new proposals for additional funding.

Qualifications:
● a PhD in a for this position relevant discipline;
● a strong background and track-record in metabarcoding or eDNA techniques;
● experience with the identification and taxonomy of one or more marine taxa (no limitation to
particular groups – could be zoological, botanical, algological, etc.), and the willingness to work on others;
● experience in the North Sea or NW European waters is preferred but not required;
● experience in grant writing and demonstrated ability to acquire external funding;
● at least three years of postdoc experience.

What we offer

A contract (36 hours per week) for a period of one year, to be extended with one year after successful

first year evaluation. A salary of circa € 3.000- 4.000 gross per month, circa €40.000- 53.300 gross per year, depending on experience. As an employee of Naturalis you will work under the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Dutch Museums. Naturalis Biodiversity Center promotes gender equality and wants to enhance the diversity of staff members. Feel free to contact Dr. Willem Renema or Berry van der Hoorn with questions about the position.

Procedure

Applicants are invited to submit their application, including a cover letter, CV (should include: (1) complete publication list with IFs -when relevant-, number of citations, and your H-Index; (2) grants obtained; (3) teaching experience; (4) invited talks; (5) other relevant information), and research statement (max 2.5 A4, should include 1) outline of the intended project to be conducted during two year appointment, 2) link and contribution to the Naturalis goals described, 3) time frame and 4) requirements/necessities needed to successfully complete project) and the names and e-mail addresses of at least two persons that can be contacted for reference before October 27th using the application form .