Postdoctoral researcher: avian microbiomes and reproduction - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

Join Our Team: Postdoctoral Researcher in Avian Microbiomes and Reproduction

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on avian reproductive microbiomes at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in the group of Dr. Melissah Rowe. The postdoc will work on an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of reproductive microbiomes for host biology and fitness. Starting date is flexible, preferably between November 2025 – January 2026.

Review of applications will begin September 1, 2025. Final date for receiving applications is September 12, 2025. First round interviews are expected to take place in September.

What will you be doing?

All animals host microbial communities in and on their bodies, and recent studies have shown that variation in these microbiomes can have major impacts on their hosts, including effects on digestion, development, immunity, and behaviour. Indeed, microbiomes are emerging as fundamental modulators of host biology, fitness, and evolution. The study of host-associated microbiomes has, however, largely overlooked the microbial communities present in the reproductive systems of males and females (i.e., the reproductive microbiome).

In this project, the postdoctoral researcher will study the impact of microbiome variation on host survival and reproduction, with a focus on the role of the reproductive microbiome, using novel microbiota manipulation techniques in an avian model system, the house sparrow. In addition, the postdoc is expected to contribute to the project development, suggest additional lines of complementary research using our system, and can join and contribute to other projects on avian microbiomes in the research group.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead this research. Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up and running in vivo microbiota manipulations in nestling house sparrows;
• Developing and evaluating additional microbiome disruption approaches;
• Leading and conducting sample collection from house sparrows (nestlings and adults);
• Contributing to laboratory analysis of samples;
• Bioinformatic analysis of microbiome data;
• Preparation of manuscripts and dissemination of research findings;
• Assist with training other researchers, including PhD candidates, and supervising masters and bachelor student projects;
• Contributing to the friendly and collaborative environment of the research group.

Who we are looking for?

Suitable candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, molecular biology or related field by the time of starting the position. You will bring:

• Experience in animal-microbiome research, documented by publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• Skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis of microbiome data;
• Experience working with animals;
• Meticulous working habits and strong organisational skills;
• English communication skills, both written and spoken;
• Creativity, motivation, and curiosity in order to contribute intellectually to the project development.

What do we offer

This is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfaction to be prolonged for a maximum of 3.5 years (1.0 FTE). Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Terms of employment.

Your workplace

The position will be embedded in the Rowe Group within the Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), located in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The candidate will also work with the larger ERC project team, including PhDs and research assistants based at the NIOO, as well as with the team’s international collaborators and other members of the research group.

More information

For informal inquiries and more information, do not hesitate to contact: Melissah Rowe, m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl

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. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3,378 and the maximum salary is €5,331 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. 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.