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Camille Delavaux

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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 flag

Country

Netherlands

University

Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Biology
Statistical Analysis
Mycology
Yeast Biology
Microbiome Research
Island Ecology
Plant-microbe Interaction
Bioinformatic

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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.

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Professors

Prof. at Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

University Name
Country flag

Netherlands

Research Interests

Microbiome Research

Plant-microbe Interaction

Bioinformatic

Statistical Analysis

Yeast Biology