PhD study on area management for tick control, RIVM, Bilthoven, NL

Forums: 

Wageningen University in collaboration with the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) will conduct a research project to investigate the relationship between the sheep tick Ixodes ricinus and its vertebrate hosts and the associated Lyme-spirochete. Our long-term aim is to control tick-borne diseases by reduction of tick abundance and prevention of tick bites. The aim of the current project is to develop novel tools for the control of ticks in their natural environment as a prevention against Lyme disease. Three PhD students will, in a collaborative manner, undertake one aspect each of this multidisciplinary project. At Wageningen University the Laboratory of Entomology and the Resource Ecology Group will house the project. The current vacancy concerns a PhD study on area management for tick control. The successful candidate will be appointed at the Laboratory of Entomology and conduct the research at the RIVM in Bilthoven.

We are:
The research on insect-vertebrate interactions of the Laboratory of Entomology (WUR) addresses the interactions between insects and vertebrates from the cellular to the community level. Our team addresses the molecular and community ecology of insect-vertebrate interactions in the laboratory and the field, and consists of ecologists, entomologists, molecular biologists and chemists. The research at the Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology (RIVM) conducts research at the interface of environment and public health. Our main tools are state of the art microbiology and mathematical modelling. Together, we are a team of ambitious scientists that aim to unravel the ecological processes that drive arthropod vector populations and determine the force of transmission of infectious disease agents.

We are looking for:
The successful candidate will have a MSc degree in Biology/Environmental Sciences or equal experience. Knowledge about vectors as well as the pathogens they can transmit is an advantage. The candidate will conduct labwork in combination with mathematical modelling. He/She should be prepared to travel and to work at field sites in The Netherlands. We expect a candidate who can work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit. During the project, PhD students are encouraged to supervise MSc thesis students when such opportunities arise.

We offer:
A full-time position (38 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. Gross salary per month € 2042,= in the first year rising to € 2612,= per month in the fourth year, for a fulltime appointment. Hay-profile: Promovendus. The candidate will be based at the RIVM research laboratories in Bilthoven.

Information on the research: Dr. Hein Sprong, 030-2742567; hein.sprong@rivm.nl.