Postdoc position (2 years): Interacting scales in phage-host-superhost
evolution

Laboratory of Phytopathology and Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen
University, the Netherlands

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher that is eager to use
spatially explicit modelling to study coevolution between phages,
bacteria, and a eukaryote superhost, focusing on how feedback within and
between these three ecological ‘layers’ impacts bacteriophage’s
virulence. For this project, you need to have experience in mathematical
modelling and/or eco-evolutionary simulations, and to be willing and
able to closely collaborate with experimental biologists.

— Project —
Eukaryote superhosts restructure environments, therewith favoring or
opposing specific bacterial species and thus changing the availability
of phage hosts. Moreover, phages and bacteria can hitchhike on mobile
multicellular hosts and this movement may allow phages to access more
distant bacterial hosts, which impacts selection pressures on phage
virulence. In turn phage pressure on bacterial populations shapes
the superhost’s microbiome, potentially limiting the superhost’s
influence. In this project you will determine how specific patterns of
migration, microbiome composition and environmental restructuring brought
on by different superhosts (nematode, insect or plant) impact virulence
in phage-bacteria coevolution. Different aspects of phage virulence,
such as the ability to enter bacteria, range of bacteria that can be
infected, and phage activation rate, will be described explicitly and
left free to evolve in the model. This project runs parallel to and in
close collaboration with experimental evolution studies of host-phage
coevolution in nematodes and insects. Model runs will lead to hypotheses
on likely adaptations in phage pathways, and on the correlation of phage
abundance with host abundance, that can be tested in these experimental
model systems. Thereby, you will contribute to fundamental understanding
of feedback loops in host-parasite-superhost coevolution.

— Job profile —
* You have a PhD degree in a relevant field (preferably in evolutionary
  biology with hands-on experience in modelling or in
  mathematical/computational biology with a strong interest in
  evolutionary questions);
* You have demonstrable experience in mathematical modelling and/or eco-
  evolutionary simulations;
* You have programming experience (e.g., python, C++, or another
  language);
* You are enthusiastic to work on fundamental biological questions in
  close collaboration with experimental biologists and
  bioinformaticians;
* You are willing to supervise/guide undergraduate and MSc students;
* You contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere.

— Offer —
We offer a one year contract that will be extended for another year if
there is mutual enthusiasm. Depending on experience, you will receive a
gross salary of up to € 3.707,- for a full-time working week of 38
hours. Benefits include:
* (Partially) paid parental leave;
* Holiday bonus (8%) and End-of-year bonus (8,3%);
* Flexibility in working hours and location to allow for healthy work-
  life balance;

— More information —
For questions: hilje.doekes@wur.nl
To apply:
https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/postdoctoral-researcher-interacting-scales-in-host-pathogen-superhost-coevolution.htm

"Doekes, Hilje" <hilje.doekes@wur.nl>

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