Camille Delavaux
Just Landed
New Today
PhD position: Biogeography of plant-associated fungi on the Galápagos islands Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fully funded 4-year PhD position; salary €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus.
Deadline
Nov 4, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
This PhD project explores the biogeography of plant-associated fungi in the Galápagos Islands, focusing on how microbial communities shape the ecology and evolution of Scalesia species. The work investigates hidden fungal diversity in a classic island system where geographic isolation and environmental heterogeneity have driven adaptive radiation and endemic plant diversification.
The project examines fungi associated with several Scalesia species across soils, roots, and leaves, with attention to three key components of the fungal microbiome: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, yeasts, and fungal pathogens. By comparing these communities across islands, plant hosts, and connections to the mainland, the research aims to clarify patterns of fungal distribution and function in an insular ecosystem.
You will combine molecular and microbiology methods with bioinformatics, statistical analyses, field sampling, and greenhouse experiments. The project also asks whether fungal communities can enhance dominance, competitive ability, and resilience of Scalesia during seed germination and seedling growth, linking microbial ecology with plant performance and ecosystem restoration.
The position is based at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen and is embedded in the Terrestrial Ecology and Microbial Ecology departments, with collaboration through the Galápagos Microbiome Initiative at the University of San Francisco de Quito. You will work closely with researchers and other early-career scientists in an international research environment focused on plant-microbiome biogeography.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year PhD position; salary €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus.
What's required
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in microbial ecology, plant-soil-microbe interactions, or a related field. Experience with both experimental and computational approaches to studying plant-microbe interactions is required. A background and passion for mycology and ecosystem ecology are expected, along with the ability to combine laboratory, computational, greenhouse, and field work. Strong critical thinking, analytical skills, teamwork, and a collaborative, curious, and creative mindset are important. Applicants should be able and willing to collaborate closely with European and Ecuadorian students and partners. Excellent English communication skills are required, and proficiency in or motivation to learn Spanish is expected.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter summarizing your motivation and experience, a CV, and contact details of two professional referees. Make sure the application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Apply through the provided AcademicTransfer application link before the deadline.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. at Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Netherlands
Research Interests
Microbiome Research
Plant-microbe Interaction
Bioinformatic
Statistical Analysis
Yeast Biology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.