Researcher in Biology

Are you keen on understanding the impact of nature-based solutions on biodiversity, with a focus on the diversity of blood-feeding insects? And are you a dedicated researcher with experience in vector or insect ecology? Then this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

The One Health Entomology group of the Laboratory of Entomology at Wageningen University and Research is looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with experience in the ecology and population dynamics of blood-feeding insects. The research interests of the group are to understand the factors that determine the presence and/or emergence of vector-borne diseases and to unravel the underlying mechanisms from molecular to ecosystem level. With this knowledge, the group ultimately aims to design novel strategies for vector control that are affordable, safe for use, and sustainable in the context of our changing environment. The team consists of ambitious scientists that employ interdisciplinary approaches, both in the lab as well as in the field. The postdoctoral position will involve the coordination of and data collection for a new European project, funded via the European Biodiversity Initiative (Biodiversa+), with partners in France, Spain and Morocco. The position is for 3 years.

About the Project
By 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, leading to increased environmental challenges such as pollution and biodiversity loss. The "greening" of cities, through green spaces and water bodies, offers a nature-based solution to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and human health, for example by reducing heat island effects, air pollution, and improving physical and mental well-being. However, they may also provide habitats for disease-transmitting vectors, such as mosquitoes and sandflies. The impact of urban greening on vector populations is expected to depend on local conditions, highlighting the need for effective surveillance and control, particularly in both public and private spaces. Wageningen University is now leading a new project that aims to explore the relationships between public and private urban green spaces on the one hand, and diversity of blood-feeding arthropods and their implications for vector-borne disease transmission to humans and animals on the other.

Your responsibilities
You will be responsible for developing and executing vector sampling protocols in collaboration with the European partner institutes. Within the Netherlands, you will be coordinating field sampling activities in diverse urban areas across the country. Your work will involve the use of molecular approaches for vector identification and for assessing biodiversity indices, e.g. via eDNA techniques. You are expected to integrate and analyze findings from different country settings and write scientific publications. In collaboration with the head of the One Health Entomology group, you will facilitate national and international meetings for partner institutes and stakeholders.

Your qualities

The successful candidate is/has:

• an excellent academic record (PhD) in medical/veterinary entomology or related ecological discipline;
• experience with (field-based) research on mosquito/vector (community) ecology;
• experience with diverse molecular lab techniques
• good knowledge of statistical methods, including multivariate analyses
• excellent oral and written English communication skills;
• a good organizer and team player.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact, Sander Koenraadt, Professor at the Laboratory of Entomology, by email: sander.koenraadt@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 13 January 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the last week of January 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.