As a PhD candidate for PHYVIR’s modeling research, you will develop mechanistic models to study phytoplankton host-virus interactions in the marine environment under explicit consideration of C:N:P stoichiometry. You will use phytoplankton and virus traits obtained from the literature, and from lab experiments and field studies conducted by other PhDs within PHYVIR, to parametrize and validate the models. You will start from single virus-single host interactions before expanding to multiple hosts and viruses. Ultimately, this modeling project aims to quantify how environmental variability, e.g., in temperature, light and nutrient availability, impacts virus-phytoplankton interactions to predict which host and virus traits might be favored in a future ocean. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• develop a PhD thesis plan, prepare and perform the research;
• actively integrate results obtained by the other PhD students, postdocs and the larger PHYVIR team into the models;
• present your results at meetings and scientific conferences;
• publish your results in international scientific journals;
• contribute to teaching and to supervision of MSc students who wish to do a modeling project on virus-host interactions (max 15% of the time).

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate with a keen interest in marine viral ecology and phytoplankton host-virus interactions. You enjoy quantitative analyses and modeling, are well-organized, and have a collaborative personality while also being able to work independently. 

What do we require?

• A MSc degree in theoretical ecology, marine biology, microbial ecology, biological oceanography, or closely related discipline;
• Experience with mathematical models describing population dynamics and species interactions;
• A demonstrated ability to work with programming languages such as Python, Matlab, or C++;
• An intrinsic motivation to increase our understanding of marine ecosystems;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

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). The preferred starting date is in the fall of 2025. 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. For this position the University Job Classification profile “Promovendus” (PhD candidate) applies. Your salary will be €2,901 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3,707 in the final year, based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. In addition, you will receive a 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. 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 fulltime) 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 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 third part 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.