"PhD Models of Phytoplankton-Virus Interactions"

Job Summary

The Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology at the University of Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate for the PHYVIR project, which focuses on mathematical models of virus-host interactions in marine phytoplankton. The project aims to study how viral infections impact phytoplankton communities and biogeochemical fluxes, considering factors like C:N:P stoichiometry and environmental variability.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanistic models for phytoplankton host-virus interactions.
• Use data from literature, lab experiments, and field studies to parametrize and validate models.
• Start with single virus-single host interactions and expand to multiple hosts and viruses.
• Integrate results from other team members into the models.
• Present results at meetings and conferences.
• Publish results in international scientific journals.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of MSc students (up to 15% of time).

Qualifications and Requirements

• MSc degree in theoretical ecology, marine biology, microbial ecology, biological oceanography, or related discipline.
• Experience with mathematical models of population dynamics and species interactions.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Matlab, or C++.
• Strong motivation to understand marine ecosystems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Enthusiastic, well-organized, collaborative, and able to work independently.

What the Employer Offers

• A 4-year temporary contract (initially 18 months, extendable) for 38 hours per week.
• Salary from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, based on full-time employment.
• Additional benefits including 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
• 232 holiday hours per year, pension contributions, parental leave, and opportunities for professional development courses.
• Support for relocation, including housing assistance for those moving from abroad.