As a postdoctoral researcher for PHYVIR’s modelling research, you will add viruses to a global ecosystem model (MIT’s DARWIN model), coupled to an ocean circulation model (MITgcm). The model will use a trait-based approach both for the viruses and the phytoplankton. Specifically, using information on phytoplankton-virus interactions from the literature, from PHYVIR lab experiments and field studies, and from mechanistic virus-host interaction models developed by the PhD contributing to PHYVIR’s modeling research, you will implement a multi-virus model to assess how (different) viruses affect distributions and the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton functional groups, total phytoplankton biomass, succession and plankton diversity across ocean provinces.  The ultimate aim is to obtain a better understanding of how viruses affect marine carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling at the global scale under present and future conditions.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Add marine viruses to a global ecosystem model;
• Perform model simulations on Dutch high-performance computing infrastructure (SURF);
• Analyze model outcomes using available observational datasets;
• Write proposals to acquire additional computing resources and data storage on Dutch high-performance computing infrastructure;
• Integrate results obtained by the other PHYVIR PhD students, postdoc and the larger PHYVIR team;
• Actively collaborate with researchers at MIT, including a research visit to the US;
• Present your results at meetings and scientific conferences;
• Publish your results in international scientific journals;
• Contribute to teaching and to supervision of MSc students (max 10% of the time). 

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

What do we require?

• A PhD in marine ecology, marine biogeochemistry, oceanography, climate science, environmental physics, computational science, or closely related discipline;
• Experience with running large-scale numerical ocean models used in marine ecology and/or biogeochemistry and analyzing their output;
• Experience with adding biological complexity to such models is advantageous;
• A demonstrated ability to work with programming languages such as Python, Matlab, or C++;
• Demonstrated publication record in relevant scientific areas;
• An intrinsic motivation to increase our understanding of marine ecosystems and carbon cycling;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months, with the possibility to the extend the contract for another 24 months upon a positive evaluation of your performance. The preferred starting date is the summer or fall of 2026. At the beginning of your employment, we will draft a career development plan that includes a description of both short-term and longer-term career goals and identifies possible training opportunities and (international) meetings. For this position the University Job Classification profile Researcher 4 applies. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 to €5,538 (scale 10). 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;
• 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.