Vera Ros
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PhD: viral manipulation of caterpillar behaviour in a multidimensional context Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Fully funded PhD position; gross salary €3,204 per month in the first year rising to €4,051 per month in the fourth year; fixed-term contract for 18 months, extendable for the project duration if performance is good.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research
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About this position
This PhD project explores how baculoviruses manipulate caterpillar behaviour and how that manipulation is shaped by the broader viral context of the host. The work starts with comparing behavioural effects across closely and more distantly related baculoviruses and lepidopteran hosts, then moves to testing how the insect virome influences those outcomes.
The project asks fundamental questions about parasite-host interactions and the concept of the extended phenotype, with a particular emphasis on covert virus infections in insects. You will investigate how hidden viruses may modulate the interaction between manipulative baculoviruses and their caterpillar host, making this a multidimensional study of viral ecology, insect behaviour, and host-virus crosstalk.
A major part of the research focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of the behavioural changes. You will examine changes in the lepidopteran central nervous system, study viral invasion and localisation of both baculoviruses and covert infections, and validate candidate mechanisms using functional approaches such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9. The project combines behavioural assays with transcriptome, proteome, small RNA, microscopy, hybridisation, antibody labelling, and GFP-labelled virus work.
The PhD sits within the Insect Virology group of the Laboratory of Virology at Wageningen University & Research, embedded in the Plant Sciences Group at Wageningen Campus. The group studies insect-virus interactions, virus discovery, covert infections, and the use of viruses for biological control. You will work in a collaborative environment with another PhD student and a postdoc on the larger project, and you will be supervised by Dr. Vera Ros and Prof. Monique van Oers.
The role also includes contributing to teaching and supervising BSc and MSc students, and communicating results at conferences and in publications.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD position; gross salary €3,204 per month in the first year rising to €4,051 per month in the fourth year; fixed-term contract for 18 months, extendable for the project duration if performance is good.
What's required
A successfully completed MSc degree in biology or a related field is required. The candidate should have excellent skills in experiments with insects, preferably insect behaviour, proven experience with molecular biological techniques, basic knowledge of bioinformatics, the ability to work in an international research team in a collaborative spirit, and excellent written and spoken English at C1 level; an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in English may sometimes be required. The advert also looks for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, curiosity-driven person with a solid background in entomology and molecular biology, strong affinity with virology, animal behaviour and neurobiology, analytical and conceptual thinking, precision in experiments, independence, and teamwork.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit your application through the portal and follow the instructions on the vacancy page. Check the vacancy for any required documents before applying.
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Professors
Prof. at Wageningen University & Research
Netherlands
Research Interests
Entomology
Neuropsychology
Rna Biology
Host-pathogen Interaction
Biology
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