Postdoc Development of a Microbial Volatile Database

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop and curate a comprehensive microbial volatile database within the framework of an interdisciplinary project at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). This postdoc project focuses on microbial volatile organic compounds and their chemical structures and activities.

The postdoc will lead the compilation, annotation, and integration of microbial volatile data, linking metabolomic profiles to microbial genomes, traits and ecological functions. The position combines microbial ecology, metabolomics, data integration, and bioinformatics, and offers close collaboration with experimental researchers working on microbe-microbe and plant–microbe interactions.

What you will be doing

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining a structured microbial volatile database.
• Integrating metabolomic, genomic, functional, and taxonomic data.
• Supporting experimental projects through data analysis and interpretation.

What are we looking for?

• PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, metabolomics, bioinformatics.
• Experience with microbial metabolites, biosynthetic pathways and/or (multi-)omics data analysis in the context of (synthetic) microbial ecology and disease suppression.
• Strong data management and analytical skills in combination with hands-on microbial ecology experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent command of English.

What do we offer?

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.546 and the maximum salary is € 4.412,- 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 that meets different needs depending on 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).

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water.

Terms of employment

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.