POSITION fully funded PhD: Using Ecological Genomics to study the Effects of Climate Change and Invasive Species on Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis) in the Wadden Sea JOB DESCRIPTION This PhD project at GELIFES, University of Groningen, aims to understand how anthropogenically driven environmental pressures are affecting blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mussels are ecosystem engineers and vital to the overall functioning of the intertidal ecosystem, providing substrate and protection for benthic organisms, and are a critical resource for coastal and migratory birds like knots and oystercatchers. The introduction of the invasive Pacific Oyster in the late 1970s has led to a proportional decline in pure mussel beds and an increase in Oyster reefs and mixed beds in the Wadden Sea. Approximately half of all reef-forming structures in the Dutch Wadden Sea are blue mussels, while the Lower Saxon region has seen a complete dominance of mixed beds, with 80% of the wet biomass consisting of Pacific Oyster. While these two species can coexist, the impact of Pacific oysters on the blue mussel population remains unknown. Increased competition for resources and changes in environmental conditions are likely to influence individual fitness; however, the extent to which this affects genetic diversity remains unexplored. In addition, climate change is disproportionately warming shallow intertidal ecosystems. Some areas of the Wadden Sea have experienced an increase of almost 2 degrees in surface water temperature over the last 60 years, which is nearly double the global mean increase. As environmental conditions change, a critical question is whether blue mussels can cope with future environmental conditions. Unresolved questions include how blue mussels respond to their environment at the molecular level and how resilient they are in coping with unprecedented environmental changes. The successful candidate will get the opportunity to work with cutting-edge sequencing approaches and develop state-of-the-art computational resources to develop analytical workflows. A primary task is to generate a genomic dataset that allows us to test for genetic differences between environmental conditions. Genotype-by-environment (or similar) analysis combined with environmental models will be utilised to assess the vulnerability of blue mussels under different PICC climate change projections. The student will be required to design and conduct fieldwork, lab work, and bioinformatic analysis. The results will be used to assess the impact of anthropogenically driven environmental changes on blue mussels. Insights will contribute to the development of informed management strategies that consider the long-term impact of unprecedented ecological change and help maintain a resilient Wadden Sea ecosystem. The position is placed at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen. QUALIFICATIONS The candidate will be based in the group of dr. Tom Oosting (Ecological Genomics Lab.) (https://www.rug.nl/staff/t.oosting/), for a period of 48 months (1.0 FTE). The candidate is expected to start the latest 1 March 2026. The candidate is expected to make an active contribution to the Ecological Genomics Lab. Group and the Marine Biology cluster in Groningen. The successful candidate should have: * A Master's degree (or equivalent) in ecology/genetics or a related field * Experience in population genetics or highly motivated to learn * Experience in R/python/linux or highly motivated to learn * High motivation in pursuing academic research * High and demonstrated English proficiency * Effective communication (both written and spoken in English) and collaboration abilities. * Demonstrable time management skills ORGANISATION Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 35,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities: * a salary of euro 3,059 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of euro 3,881 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week * a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus * A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. * Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. * A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. APPLICATION Application should include: *letter of motivation * CV (including contact information for at least two academic references) * Transcripts from your bachelor's and master's degree. * Proof of written English text, preferably by Master Diploma taught in * English or recent English language test; and Master thesis written in English. You can submit your application until 1 December 2025 11:59 pm Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply now" below on the advertisement on the university website): https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-using-ecological-genomics-to-study-the-effects-of-climate-change-and-invasive-species-on-blue-mussels-mytilus-edulis-in-the-wadden-sea-1-0-fte-1356/?lang=en Applications received before 2 December 2025 will be given full consideration; however, the position will remain open until it is filled. The last starting date is 1 March 2026. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We are committed to building a diverse faculty so you are encouraged to apply. Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP), http://nvp-plaza.nl/download/?idw14 and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers, https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated. Information For information you can contact: DR. Tom Oosting: t.oosting@rug.nl Please do not use the e-mail address(es) above for applications. Additional information The research groups of * Tom Oosting (https://www.rug.nl/staff/t.oosting/) * Sancia van der Meij (https://www.rug.nl/staff/sancia.van.der.meij/) "Oosting, T." (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)