ESR 1 University of Groningen the Netherlands

Title of the project: The impact of viruses on biofilm formation

This particular PhD position is aimed at understanding the impact of viral infection on biofilm formation in archaea. This will be studied using archaeal from several biotechnologically relevant phyla. The PhD project is aimed at setting up and improving assays to measure biofilm formation in archaea. These can then be used to probe the impact of viruses on biofilm and also to study if cells in biofilms are more resistant to viral infection. The relationship between viruses and biofilm is relevant for understanding of the role of archaea in biofouling and the use of archaea in large scale fermenters for biotechnology solutions. Secondments are planned to an industrial and academic ARCTECH partner to learn specific technologies required for the project.

Requirements

Biological sciences

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required selection criteria

• Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
• Completed Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an above average grade for your MSc degree.
• Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in working with archaea, bacteriophages or biofilm assays
• Experience in time management and teamwork
• Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
• Scientific curiosity and passion

Specific Requirements

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Groningen (https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-science-and-engineering/phd-prog…)

Additional information

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art training within the ARCTECH doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
• Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
• A mobility allowance to support relocation
• A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)

Eligibility criteria

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/(…)rsity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Selection process

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.  Applications should include:

• Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
• Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant’s motivation to undertake a PhD
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees

If all, or parts, of your education have been completed abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please send your application with the documents as listed above, quoting the reference number, by 5pm (CET+1) on 12^th May 2024 via the application form

Applications submitted by post or to other email addresses will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.

Additional comments

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 programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 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.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 fte). In addition, there is an 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end-of-the-year bonus. The position is limited to a period of 4 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate’s performance after 9 months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining three years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate’s contract will be extended by another 3 years, for a total of 4 years.