Post doc on socially transferred materials

Are you a biologist with experience in and enthusiasm for imaging and -omics techniques? Work on the exciting topic of socially transferred materials.

Your function

The HFSP-funded project revolves around the concept of Socially Transferred Materials (STMs), which was defined a few years ago as an emerging new field in science: across animals, organisms have repeatedly and convergently evolved ways to transfer materials between bodies that manipulate or support receiver physiology, fertility, or behaviour. Think of milk, seminal fluid, eggs, mucus, and regurgitates. Despite their ecological importance and applied potential, understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying STM function across evolutionarily distant lineages is lacking. This project aims to combine a multitude of -omics and imaging techniques as well as functional studies to work towards deep, large-scale analyses of STM evolution and action. The focus will lie on a range of arthropods, molluscs, and chordates, with the aim to uncover universal STM design principles as well as lineage-specific variants.

Your duties

Using your experience and enthusiasm for mass spec, in-situ hybridisation and bioinformatics, you will start by refining the mass spec imaging technique for work on material from non-model organisms. This technique will subsequently be used to visualise candidate STMs, and their receptors, in specific tissues of a selected set of focal species. The most promising candidate proteins will be applied in bio-assays using freshwater snails to test their bioactivity. These candidates will emerge from collaboration among the three post-docs on the project and will require well-organised teamwork across countries and continents.

You will become part of a new, multidisciplinary team together with two other post-docs: one ant-leaning and hosted by Adria LeBoeuf in Cambridge, UK, and one frog-leaning and hosted by Jenny Stynoski in San José, Costa Rica.

The results are expected to lead to shared multi-author publications in high-quality scientific journals, where efforts from the three post-docs come together in large-scale analyses of STMs. In addition, the methods development, bio-assay testing and single-species findings are expected to be published by smaller author teams.

Your profile

• Experience with modern imaging techniques such as MS imaging, spatial transcriptomics/genomics, and (multiplex) immunostaining
• Experience with protein-protein interactions and/or working with live snails is a plus
• Affinity for bioinformatics techniques and analyses
• Ability to thrive in and contribute to a skilled international team that will meet regularly online and in person
• Good communicative skills in writing and speaking and the ability to motivate and mentor colleagues, with the option to teach undergraduate students

Candidates will be evaluated based on their level of experience with MS imaging, in-situ hybridization, and bioinformatics, as well as evidence of experience working effectively and adaptively in mixed teams, interest in discovering evolutionarily conserved protein functions, and skill in synthesising complex findings for publication.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 9 months. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Contribution to commuting expenses
• Group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium
• Space for personal development

About us

The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the section Ecology & Evolution covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning, and investigates a variety of animal species. The section’s strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organisational levels.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.