Naturalis is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to study benthic meiofauna taxonomy.
About us
Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the National Biodiversity Center for biodiversity and systematics. We host over 120 researchers, including 15 academia-embedded professors, 50 PhD students and 20 postdoctoral fellows. Our programme on research and innovation includes digital-concept and research projects and the large research infrastructures of national (ARISE, eDentity) and pan-European scale (DiSSCo, BGE). With our collection of 43 million specimens, one of the world's largest natural history collections, and our state-of-the-art research facilities, we offer the (inter)national research infrastructure for species identification and monitoring, transnational and virtual access to collections and experts or training. We present the history of our planet and the diversity of life on Earth through permanent and temporary museum exhibitions, educational programmes, and online presence, with more than 500,000 visitors per year. All in all, a unique combination of science and culture in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world!
The research department is organised in 8 research groups. The current position will be in the research group Marine Biodiversity, led by Prof Willem Renema. Naturalis has a completely new lab building, including state-of-the-art molecular facilities, microCT scanners and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).
Position
In this position you will contribute to the goals of the MEIODYSSEA project by enhancing integrative taxonomy of meiofauna. MEIODYSSEA aspires to overcome the meiofauna taxonomic bottleneck, forging a swift and dependable benchmark for meiofauna identification. In this postdoc position you will have the opportunity to shape your own research line within the limits that it should involve integrated taxonomy of a meiobenthic taxon.
General requirementsand skills
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate with a PhD degree and expertise in meiofauna taxonomy and a strong passion for marine environments. You have expertise in microscopy, morphological characterization, and integrative taxonomy, with experience in species description. Experience with molecular tools is a plus.
Ideally, your skills align with other Naturalis research goals, such as the biodiversity of the North Sea. You will have opportunities for fieldwork, either with the Meiodyssea team in Japan or in other locations based on your interests.
Excellent knowledge of the English language (written and verbal) is required, as well as a scientific and critical attitude, outstanding time management and organisational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the project consortium and the Naturalis research group. Additionally, you have good communication skills and are eager to contribute to knowledge dissemination and outreach activities. Experience in supervising student projects is an advantage.
We offer
A contract (36 hours per week) for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension for up to one year, and a monthly starting salary between € 3,641.- and € 4,731.-, depending on relevant experience. You also get an allowance for travel expenses, holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (3.4%). The starting date is between 1 April and 1 August 2025. Naturalis Biodiversity Center offers an inspiring working atmosphere with effective and efficient supervision of our PhD and Postdoc candidates. Our Research Coordination Office also provides ample support to our scientific staff. Our institute promotes gender equality and wants to enhance the diversity of staff members. Feel free to contact Willem Renema (willem.renema@naturalis.nl) or Jan Macher (jan.macher@naturalis.nl) with questions about the position. For procedural questions related to the application please contact HR: sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.
Procedure
Applicants are invited to submit their application in one pdf, including a cover/motivation letter (max. 2 pages) and CV (max. 3 pages) and the names and contact details of two referees. Please use this form for your application no later than 15 March 2025.
Naturalis endorses the Cultural Diversity Code. In the case of equal suitability, preference is given to the candidate who reinforces diversity within the team.
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