"Postdoc 'Mosquito Behavior and vector control'"

Are you an enthusiastic and driven postdoctoral researcher with a passion for malaria research and vector biology? Then we invite you to apply for a unique opportunity within an international research project aimed at reducing the burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, you will develop and implement mosquito behavior assays in malaria-endemic settings to investigate how vector control interventions, such as spatial repellents, influence mosquito behavior. You will study host-seeking, blood-feeding, and flight patterns of mosquitoes using a combination of laboratory, semi-field, and field approaches.

Your work will involve innovative techniques such as 3D flight tracking and biting behavior analysis using our recently developed biteOscope platform. These experiments will be conducted both at Radboudumc and in the field, in close collaboration with an experienced research team in Kenya. The insights gained from your research will contribute directly to optimizing the deployment of spatial repellents to reduce malaria transmission.

You will be part of a diverse and international team, working in close partnership with local collaborators in Kenya. A significant portion of your work will take place in the field, offering a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in low-resource settings. This position is jointly supervised by Prof. Teun Bousema (malaria epidemiology) and Dr. Felix Hol (vector biology), ensuring strong scientific guidance across disciplines. It provides a unique chance to contribute to applied and impactful research that directly supports public health efforts in malaria-endemic regions.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in mosquito behavior and malaria epidemiology. You have a broad experimental background and are motivated to work in an international and multidisciplinary setting. Experience with research in low-resource environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa, is preferred, but candidates with a strong desire to gain this experience are also encouraged to apply.

You have an open and creative mind, a strong affinity for quantitative biology, and a passion for solving complex problems using innovative methods. You enjoy working with a diverse and international team and actively contribute to the success of the project. Moreover you have: A PhD in life sciences, (quantitative) biology, entomology, bioengineering, or a related discipline. Strong experimental and analytical skills. A creative, independent, and interdisciplinary mindset. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English. A willingness to learn new techniques and approaches. Preferably international experience. Preferably experience with research activities in low-resource settings.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with the possibility to extend to two years. At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer: A gross monthly salary between € 3.598 and € 5.669 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours. 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week.

You will be based at the Department of Medical Microbiology at Radboudumc in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. This department hosts a world-leading, young, and dynamic malaria research group led by a team of principal investigators with expertise spanning fundamental biology, vaccine development, and field studies. This unique combination of knowledge and excellent facilities enables the study of various aspects of mosquito biology and malaria transmission.

The position is embedded within two complementary research teams: the vector biology team led by Dr. Felix Hol and the malaria epidemiology team led by Prof. Teun Bousema. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment where collaboration and knowledge exchange are central. In addition to experimental work at Radboudumc, you will conduct field research in Kenya, working closely with local researchers and institutions. This international component offers a valuable experience in working across diverse cultural and scientific contexts.