Research Technician Whole Genome Sequencing- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute - Utrecht

Join the Westerdijk Institute: Advance Fungal Genomics as a Research Technician

Are you passionate about molecular biology and eager to explore the hidden world of fungi? Join the internationally renowned Westerdijk Institute as a Research Technician and contribute to a cutting-edge mission: modernizing fungal taxonomy through whole genome sequencing. You'll work with one of the world's largest fungal culture collections to help build high-quality fungal genome references, enabling breakthroughs in biodiversity, diagnostics, and plant quarantine.

What you will be doing

• Performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) on yeasts and filamentous fungi using long-read technologies like Oxford Nanopore and PacBio
• Generating and curating high-quality reference genomes
• Supporting the development of a certified fungal genome database
• Collaborating closely with mycologists, culture collection specialists, and bioinformatics experts
• Contributing to the application of metagenomics in clinical and agricultural research

The goal is to close the gaps in the genomics of fungal species to establish a holistic fungal taxonomy, facilitate the application of metagenomics for early diagnosis of mycoses, and in quarantine settings.

What you will be contributing

• A BSc degree in biology, biotechnology, life sciences, or equivalent technical training
• Hands-on experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., culturing fungi, DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, NGS/WGS)
• Familiarity with genome analysis, sequencing quality control, and annotation
• Comfort with command line tools and basic knowledge of scripting or data tools like R, Python, or Jupyter Notebook
• Strong attention to detail, structured work ethic, and the ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (Dutch is a plus)
• Experience with sequence analysis tools (e.g., Geneious) and background in mycology is a strong advantage

What we are offering

• A full-time technician position in a vibrant and international scientific environment
• Direct mentorship from the Institute Director and close collaboration with various research teams
• A supportive and open culture that values teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through in-house training
• A role with real-world impact, shaping the future of fungal diagnostics and biodiversity research

For more information

Please contact Prof. Wieland Meyer (Director Westerdijk Institute), email: w.meyer@wi.knaw.nl.

About the Westerdijk Institute

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences located at Utrecht Science Park. Our researchers study biodiversity across the entire spectrum of the fungal kingdom. They develop and use a wide range of techniques to map the biology, ecology, and genetic information of fungi.

With a unique collection of more than 100,000 living fungal strains, yeasts and bacteria, we are at the forefront of mycological research worldwide. We are a center of expertise for mycology and contribute to solving socially relevant issues in the areas of health, agriculture and industry.

Our relatively small, internationally diverse institute has 50 employees and a similar number of guest researchers.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 2.899,- and the maximum salary is € 3.809,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 7 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. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their 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).

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

Diversity & Inclusion

The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.