We are looking for a PhD Vector Ecology

Job description:

The goal of this project is to assess the risk of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in northern Europe, with a specific focus on West Nile virus. Assessing the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and providing sustainable solutions for their control is an important mission of the Medical and Veterinary Entomology group of the Laboratory of Entomology of Wageningen University. The central question that will be addressed is how competent different mosquito species, or populations within these species, are in the transmission of West Nile virus, how this can be explained by genetic and/or environmental factors and what the implications are for disease risk in the European context. Within the project you will have the opportunity to collaborate with various groups within the university as well as with other Dutch and European research institutes that have expertise in entomology, virology and epidemiology.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will have an MSc degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology or similar, with experience with behavioural studies on insects, statistical analyses and with molecular and population genetic tools. The project involves working under Biological Safety Level 3 conditions. We are therefore looking for a motivated, disciplined individual that has a good understanding of biosafety and biosecurity procedures. The candidate will be proficient in the English language. We expect a candidate who can work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit. Within the Laboratory of Entomology, PhD students are encouraged to supervise MSc thesis students when such opportunities arise.

Conditions of employment

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 € 2062,= in the first year, rising to € 2638,= per month in the fourth year, for a fulltime appointment. The candidate will be based at the Laboratory of Entomology in Wageningen. Occasional visits to collaborating institutes in Europe are expected.

Information on the research: Dr. Sander Koenraadt , +31(0)317 483400, sander.koenraadt@wur.nl

Information on the selection procedure: Mrs. Dorien Wissink (dorien.wissink@wur.nl).

You can apply for this job before 10 April 2013 at www.wur.nl/UK/work.

Don't email directly to the people mentioned above but use the website to apply.