The Microbial Ecology Department (co)coordinates several large (inter)national research projects, in particular Promise II, Microp and BackToRoots. Promise II is an international, multidisciplinary research program to develop new strategies and prototype microbial products to control the root parasitic weed Striga on different crop species. The project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and aims to combine new science (microbiomes, metabolomics, root transcriptomics) with existing crop management practices (intercropping, soil fertility management, synthetic chemistry) in a way that is feasible, effective and adoptable by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. You will contribute to the Promise II project as well as to the Microp and BackToRoots programs as a projectmanager, supporting the overall project coordination.

Applicants should have strong background in projectmanagement. We are particularly looking for candidates with expertise in organizing meetings, organizing and leading annual reporting, documenting and reviewing agreements between consortium partners, management of websites and social media contents, organizing and co-leading the Global Access Strategy plan in Promise II. You will organize and participate in the network activities of the research programs and keep a close communication with the (inter)national consortium parties. Proficiency in English is essential.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, possibly extended until September 2028.

What are we offering?
We offer an attractive position in a dynamic and international team. The position is 0,6-0,8 fte, initially for 1 year, and can be extended until 1 September 2028. The preferred starting date is 1 December 2024. Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Terms of employment.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.502 and the maximum salary is € 4.812 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 9 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.

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO performs leading ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water, stimulates ecological research of the Netherlands and shares its ecological knowledge with society. Based on our core values, NIOO strives to be a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, impactful, and responsible organization.

Microbial Ecology

The applicant will be appointed at the Department of Microbial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. For detailed information on the Microbial Ecology Department, please visit our website https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/departments/microbial-ecology