PhD Candidate in Theoretical Biology

PhD Candidate in Theoretical Biology

The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML and Faculty of Science is looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD-candidate who is eager to study major evolutionary transitions using mathematical models. You will be embedded in the Environmental Biology Department, which is part of the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Science at Leiden University.

In this project, we study the coevolution of aging and sociality. Animals that live in social colonies with a division of labor between reproductive individuals and sterile helpers, such as naked mole rats, termites, and ants, are known to age much more slowly than non-social animals. For example, in insect queens, the transition to eusociality is associated with a 100-fold increase in lifespan. But do eusocial species tend to become long-lived as a consequence of their social structure, or are long-lived species more likely to evolve eusociality? Similar questions can be asked about the evolution of multicellular organisms, because the way cells cooperate to form multicellular organisms is analogous to the way social animals cooperate to form breeding colonies. Does the evolution of cellular cooperation during the evolution of multicellularity alter the ageing rates of cells? Answering such questions requires studying the coevolution of ageing and sociality, which involves incorporating age structure into models of evolutionary transitions.

What are you going to do?

In this project, you will develop structured (demographic) models to study the coevolution of ageing and sociality during the evolution of eusociality and multicellularity. While this is mainly a theoretical and computational research project, it will be possible and encouraged to collaborate with empirical research groups for two reasons: 1) to discuss our model assumptions and their validity, and 2) to think about methods for testing our theoretical results (for example by using phylogenetic reconstructions or experimental evolution techniques). Importantly, the project offers significant room to make it your own: as long as it fits in the general topic of this research position, you will have flexibility to co-design the research.

Key responsibilities

• Complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years
• Develop and analyze class structured models of social evolution
• Collaborate with empiricists to think of ways to validate model predictions
• Discuss your work in our group meetings, incorporate feedback, and give input to others
• Assist in teaching activities and in supervising bachelor and master students

Selection Criteria

You have strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, you are enthusiastic and self-motivated when it comes to learning new skills or exploring new topics, and you have good communication skills.

Your experience and profile:

• Completed or soon-to-be completed MSc in the biological sciences or different fields in the natural sciences (e.g., computational, mathematics, earth sciences, physics) with an interest in ecology and evolution
• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling, and an ability to learn new concepts and (computational) methods as needed
• Affinity with scientific computer programming (e.g., R, Matlab, Python)
• Proficient communication skills in spoken and written English

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

Research at our faculty

Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff.

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,800 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Terms and conditions

We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for up to 3 years based on performance, following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 2,901 gross per month in the first year to € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position. At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office
• PhD student support: As a PhD student, you’ll be part of the Graduate School of Science, which offers a variety of training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally.

Diversity

At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers.

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Information

Enquiries can be made to Lotte de Vries (c.de.vries@cml.leidenuniv.nl).