You will address this multidisciplinary topic using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and data processing and analysis, guided by the highly qualified support staff at IBED. Together with your supervisors, you will bridge the fields of aquatic ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, and microbial ecology. This requires thinking outside the traditional spheres of these fields, and demands creativity and flexibility as well as a strong motivation to address this challenge using multiple lines of evidence.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Co-designing and conducting field sampling and measurements, lab experiments, and instrumental analyses;
• Conducting large dataset processing and statistical analyses;
• Communicating with local researchers, water authorities, and stakeholders;
• Presenting work at national and international symposia and scientific conferences;
• Writing publications for peer-reviewed journals;
• Mentoring BSc and MSc students.

We seek a motivated PhD candidate to work at the interface of Ecotoxicology and Microbial Ecology. You hold a Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or a related field, with a background spanning both disciplines. Ideally, you have experience with microbial community analysis (e.g., sequencing, bioinformatics) and/or assessing chemical stressor effects on organisms or ecosystems, along with solid skills in experimental design and data analysis.

You are genuinely curious about how anthropogenic chemicals shape microbial communities and their functioning, and eager to bridge the conceptual and methodological gap between Ecotoxicology and Microbial Ecology. As an independent, proactive thinker who thrives in interdisciplinary collaboration, you are excited to contribute new insight into this understudied but ecologically highly relevant research field.

Your experience and profile:

• MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or a related field;
• Strong background and experience in Ecotoxicology and/or Microbial Ecology;
• Experience with field and/or lab work;
• Experience with data analysis, such as statistics, data management, etc.;
• Experience in scripting/programming (e.g., R, Bash, Python);
• Strong interest in understanding human impacts on ecological processes, biodiversity, and ecosystem health;
• Proficiency in scientific writing;
• Experience or strong interest in transdisciplinary research;
• Ability to speak and communicate in English at an academic level.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. For this position, the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” (PhD candidate) applies. Your salary will be €3,204 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €4,051 in the final year, based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. 

A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two-thirds of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with registration at UvA-Housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Take a look here.