The research team of dr. Julia Engelmann applies bioinformatic and network biology approaches to marine marker gene, metagenomic and transcriptomic data. On top of describing microbial communities, we are interested in how the individual species interact with each other. We use modern sequencing approaches and network modeling techniques to infer these interactions.

We are looking for a Post-Doc to work for 3 years in the research team of dr. Julia Engelmann in the department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research on Texel (The Netherlands). The team applies bioinformatic and network biology approaches to marine marker gene, metagenomic and transcriptomic data. On top of describing microbial communities, we are interested in how the individual species interact with each other. We use modern sequencing approaches and network modeling techniques to infer these interactions.

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry on Texel performs detailed studies on microbial communities in the marine environment. We study the diversity, physiology and activity of phytoplankton, prokaryotes (archaea and bacteria) and viruses in diverse marine environmental settings by a variety of techniques, including modern genomic techniques.

THE PROJECT

At the base of the marine food web, microbes act both as primary producers and degraders of organic material. The organic matter they provide feeds the oceans and life on land. While we have seen a tremendous increase in knowledge about the diversity, genome composition and metabolic capabilities of microbial species living in the ocean, we still lack insights about how these communities work at a systems level. Because of the high complexity of many natural communities, inter-species interactions are difficult to study. Computational approaches such as network modeling can be used to generate hypothesis about potential interactions which can then be validated with functional or other experimental approaches. Potential interactions include providing nutrients or energy substrates to another species, competing for nutrients or responding to signaling molecules. The Post-Doc will focus on elucidating marine microbial inter-species interactions in the Southern Ocean (close to Rothera, Antarctica) and perform sampling, high-throughput sequencing, network modeling and validation experiments in the laboratory. Part of the project will address the question of how climate change will impact microbial species abundance and especially their inter-species interactions in the Southern Ocean.

THE CANDIDATE

The candidate must hold a PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Ecology, Microbial Ecology, Computer Science, (Bio-)Statistics, Physics or related fields and be highly organized and motivated. The position requires both strong computational as well as experimental skills. Candidates with a theoretical background should have at least some experience with microbiology and/or molecular microbial ecology techniques, and candidates with an experimental background need to have proof of computational skills, including excellent command of at least one programming language such as R or python. Experience with Unix/Linux systems is mandatory. The ideal candidate has experience in the analysis of high throughput genomic data. Due to the international character of the research group, excellent command of the English language is expected.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

We are offering a fulltime position for 3 years, a pension scheme, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Research Centers. The position will be located on Texel. Cost of relocation and help with housing is provided by NIOZ.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from: Dr. Julia Engelmann (Research Scientist).

Additional information about the procedure can be obtained from Alexandra Noppeney (Sr HR Advisor).

Interviews will be held on 25 September 2019.