Postdoc

The Postdoc project focuses on the analysis of DNA metabarcoding and metagenomics data to address yet understudied aspects of urban bryophytes and lichens in Dutch cities, namely 1) infer to what extent the diversity of airborne diaspores correlate with actual vegetation on trees and concrete; and 2) study possible correlations of lichen microbiome compositions with heat-stress along urban gradients. 

The Postdoc project is part of the HiddenBiodiversity project financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). The Postdoc project will be carried out in Naturalis in the Understanding Evolution research group. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Michael Stech in close collaboration with different consortium partners. The candidate will work together with the four HiddenBiodiversity PhD students, who study urban soil prokaryotes & fungi (Naturalis), soil animals (VU Amsterdam), epiphytic bryophytes & lichens (Leiden University/Hortus botanicus Leiden), and ecosystem services of mosses (TU Delft), respectively, and co-supervise students from Leiden University and University of Applied Sciences Leiden.

Bryophytes and lichens form an extra layer of biodiversity on urban surfaces, providing habitats for small invertebrates and microorganisms, and potentially increasing the quality of the urban living environment by providing ecosystem services to city dwellers. The Postdoc project focuses on the analysis of DNA metabarcoding and metagenomics data to address yet understudied aspects of urban bryophytes and lichens in Dutch cities, namely 1) infer to what extent the diversity of airborne diaspores correlate with actual vegetation on trees and concrete; and 2) study possible correlations of lichen microbiome compositions with heat-stress along urban gradients. Furthermore, a contribution to analysing citizen-science data from a pilot project to establish a heat-stress monitoring system based on lichens is envisaged.

The candidate must have a PhD degree in a relevant field (for example, biodiversity, ecology) with a strong interest in bryophyte/lichen diversity and expertise in DNA metabarcoding/metagenomics analysis. The candidate should have experience with field work, molecular lab work, bioinformatics data analysis and common statistical methods. Excellent knowledge of the English language (written and verbal) and at least basic knowledge of the Dutch language is essential, as well as a scientific and critical attitude, outstanding time management and organisational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the project consortium and the Naturalis research group. The candidate should have good communication skills and be enthusiastic to contribute to knowledge dissemination and outreach activities within the HiddenBiodiversity project. Experience with supervising student projects is an advantage.

A contract (36 hours per week) for a period of one year, to be extended with one more year after a successful evaluation, and a monthly starting salary between €3.468 and €4.506, depending on relevant experience. You also get an allowance for travel expenses, holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (3.4%). The starting date is November 1st, 2023. Naturalis Biodiversity Center offers an inspiring working atmosphere with effective and efficient supervision of our PhD and Postdoc candidates. Our Research Coordination Office also provides ample support to our scientific staff. Our institute promotes gender equality and wants to enhance the diversity of staff members.

Applicants are invited to submit their application in one pdf, including a cover/motivation letter (max. 2 pages) and CV (max. 3 pages) and the names and contact details of two referees. Please use this form for your application no later than August 31st, 2023 CEST. Interviews are foreseen to take place at the end of August/beginning of September 2023. Feel free to contact michael.stech@naturalis.nl with questions about the position. For procedural questions related to the application please contact HR: sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.

Naturalis endorses the Cultural Diversity Code. In the case of equal suitability, preference is given to the candidate who reinforces diversity within the team. If you are a recruiting agent, please do not contact us.

Application deadline:
Start date: Flexible
Location: Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands