The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

Postdoc, Ecologist/microbiologist. Plant-soil interactions in forests

Vacancy number: 14115

Key responsibilities
You will participate in “Silva Nova – Restoring soil biology and soil functions to gain multiple benefits in new forests”, a project with University of Copenhagen Denmark and University of Tartu, Estonia. The Leiden team also consists of 2 PhD students and 1 research assistant. We study how soil inoculation can be used to restore soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in newly planted forests.

You tasks are:

• To carry out experiments with microbial communities and saplings
• To analyze data of field and mesocosm experiments in climate chambers
• To analyse amplicon sequence data sets of soil and root communities
• To collaborate with local team members and with project members in Denmark and Estonia.
• To participate in joint Silva Nova activities

Selection Criteria

• PhD degree in Ecology, plant-microbe interactions, or microbiome analysis
• Experience with field work and/or plant growth experiments
• Experience with analysis of molecular data (e.g. NG sequencing) and bioinformatics
• Experience with microbiological techniques
• Proven knowledge about soil (micro)organisms
• Interpersonal skills are important, you participate in a small research team and collaborate with European partners
• Willingness to travel abroad for team meetings and collaborative activities
• Willingness to participate in Silva Nova activities such as co-organizing workshops, joint experiments
• Fluency in English language

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} staff and almost 5000 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, fixed-term post from January 2024 until April 2027 Salary range from € 3.877,- to € 5.090,- {see https://www.staff.universiteitleiden.nl/human-resources/conditions-of-employment-salary-and-allowance/salary/salary-scales-and-periodic-rise/science/fnw-board-office?cf=science&cd=fnw-board-office} gross per month (pay scale [10.4] in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries about the content of the position (not about the procedure) can be made to prof dr Martijn Bezemer (t.m.bezemer@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you include the following documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and details of at least 2 references (can be included in the CV). No reference letters are needed.

Only applications received before 15 October 2023 can be considered.