**** PhD position: avian reproductive microbiomes and immunity ****

The Rowe Group in the Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands
Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) offers a fully funded PhD position
in avian microbiomes and immune function. The PhD candidate will work
on an ERC-Consolidator grant project where the overarching aim is to
determine whether reproductive microbiomes impact host fitness in wild
animals and reveal the role of host genetics and immune functioning in
shaping reproductive microbiome variability.

** Project description **
Animal hosts may be under strong selection to control their microbiota;
A host can benefit from monitoring the species in its microbiome
and shaping microbiome composition towards a beneficial (or at least
neutral) community by promoting or hindering the proliferation of certain
taxa. Mounting evidence suggests that the immune system plays a central
role in host control of the microbiome, although currently this work is
focused primarily on the microbial communities in the gut.

In this project, the PhD will investigate the potential role of the local
immune system in shaping ('controlling') the ejaculate microbiome
of male house sparrows and link variation in the microbiome to sperm
quality. They will perform both correlational studies using wild birds
and in vitro experiments to test: (a) whether antimicrobial activity
in the ejaculate shapes the ejaculate microbiome, and (b) if variation
in the microbiome impacts sperm quality. The successful candidate will
also be expected to develop additional complementary research questions
in line with their own interests.

** Duties of the position **
The PhD position will involve fieldwork on wild birds to collect samples
for analysis of microbiomes, immune function, and sperm quality, as well
as performing in vitro studies to experimentally validate the impact of
bacteria on avian sperm quality and the impact of antimicrobial proteins
on bacterial community growth and composition.  The position will also
involve laboratory work, including processing of microbiome samples,
immune assays, analysis of sperm quality, and bacterial culturing. The
successful candidate will also be responsible for bioinformatic and
statistical analysis of data, reading and writing scientific papers,
supervision of students, and contributing to the scientific life at the
Department. As there is scope for the candidate to develop complementary
avenues of research, additional skills and tasks may also be required.

** What are we looking for **
We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and productive person,
who thrives in a collaborative and international environment and is
willing to work in the field and the lab and contribute intellectually to
the project. The candidate should hold a MSc degree in ecology/evolution,
molecular biology, microbial ecology, or a related discipline by the time
of starting the position. The candidate must have excellent communication
skills, including writing and presentation of research, and must be
fluent in English, as this is the working language of the group.

Prior experience in the following areas is highly desirable: avian field
research, immunity, sperm biology, microbiomes, and microbiology. The
candidate should have an interest in bioinformatics, be comfortable
working with big datasets, and have some experience with R statistical
software. Possession of a valid driver's license is preferred.

** More information **
Informal inquires can be made to: Melissah Rowe, m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl
Information on the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
and the Department of Animal Ecology can be found at the website:
http://www.nioo.knaw.nl/.

** Application procedure **
The deadline for applications is June 29, 2025.

For further information and to apply please see:
https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/vacancies/phd-position-on-avian-reproductive-microbiomes-and-immunity

"Rowe, Melissah" <M.Rowe@nioo.knaw.nl>

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