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 funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to combine new science (microbiomes, metabolomics, root transcriptomics) with existing 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 project as a postdoc with expertise in soil mycology and fungi-plant interactions.

Applicants should have strong background in soil microbiology and mycology. We are particularly looking for candidates with expertise in fungi-plant interactions, isolation and (molecular and chemical) characterization of soil and plant-associated fungi. Experience with greenhouse bioassays and field trials is recommended. You will participate in the network activities and joint experiments of the PROMISE program, present your work at (inter)national meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals. You will also supervise/collaborate with PhD students and technicians.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

What are we offering?
We offer an attractive position in a dynamic and international research team. The position is a temporary appointment for 3 years (1,0 FTE). 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 €3.345,- and the maximum salary is €5.278,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 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.