Understanding the dynamics and function of microeukaryotic plankton through metagenomics.
Background
The ocean’s planktonic ecosystem harbours one of the most diverse and complex eukaryotic microbiomes. These planktonic microbiomes are major contributors of the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and shaped by the combined effects of a multitude of abiotic drivers and species interactions. Understanding these effects is paramount to predict shifts in global biogeochemical cycles upon anthropogenic change. So far, molecular genetic studies in natural environments are often limited to single processes in a community, or multiple processes in a single species. To better understand the assembly of marine microbial communities, we need to adopt a systems biology approach. In recent years, the rise of metagenomics in marine microbiology and the steady improvement of genomic reference databases has given us tools to study emerging properties of complex communities in the field. Integrating metagenomics data in mechanistic modelling frameworks therefore receives increasing attention in the fields of plankton microbiology and oceanographic biogeochemistry.
Project goal
The overall PhD project goal is to explore existing metagenomics datasets to leverage a trait-based approach to understand interactions in complex communities from a systems biology perspective. The candidate will then leverage this information for mechanistic ecological modelling. The following research aims are expected to be addressed:
1) Infer species interactions from time series of genetic data and auxiliary datasets.
2) Infer the nature of these species interactions from metabolic functions and co-occurrence patterns.
3) Model community dynamics under different scenarios of environmental change to understand the ecological boundary conditions of the assembly process of the planktonic community using a trait-based approach.
4) Model the effects of changes in the composition of plankton communities on their ecosystem functions.
This project will be developed at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Ostend (Belgium), under the supervision of Prof Dr Pascal Hablützel, head of the Research Group of Nature Changes and Solutions of VLIZ, and under co-supervision of Prof Dr Steven Van Belleghem, head of the Research Group of Eco-Evolutionary Genomics at the KU Leuven in Leuven (Belgium).
Candidate profile
- MSc (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics, or another relevant field (or to be obtained until September 2024).
- Good programming skills.
- Interest in statistical and numerical modelling.
- Interest in theoretical ecology.
- Ability to work independently.
- Self-motivated, proactive, demonstrates strong collaboration skills and is committed to fostering a positive team-oriented work environment.
- Open minded and taking initiative.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in English, including scientific papers, and other scientific materials.
- Willingness to supervise junior team members (e.g. master students).
- Willing to work in an international context and flexibility to work in a scientific multicultural environment.
- Good written and oral English communication skills.
- Academic writing skills are a plus.
Main responsabilities
- Write an initial scientific project plan, which should include a literature review and research gaps identification, clear research goals and questions, milestones, outputs and a data management plan.
- Conduct research on ecosystems biology of plankton communities. This involves bioinformatics analysis of meta-genomics data and the use of computational methods for statistical analysis and mathematical modelling.
- To take the initiative to discuss planning and report progress.
- Manage data flow, from acquisition, validation to submission for open access repositories.
- Lead and collaborate in high quality scientific outputs (peer reviewed papers).
- Apply for extra funding opportunities (personal fellowship, grants, prizes, travel support, etc).
- Communicate research findings effectively to academic audiences (e.g. national and international conferences and meetings) and to the broader public.
- Collaborate with diverse professionals from multiple disciplines.
- To contribute to events organised by the Research Department or the Institute, such as the VLIZ Marine Science Day or Research Seminars.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, collaborative and excellent professionalism, and integrity as important characteristics.
Our offer
- A four-year contract, in a dynamic and diverse setting at Innovocean Campus and the Marine Station, Ostend (MSO) (Ostend, Belgium).
- A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
- You will be registered at the Arenberg Doctoral School of the KU Leuven, and have access to tailored training.
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work.
- You will have access to an additional hospitalisation health insurance via VLIZ.
- A good work-life balance including flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
About us
Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.
Additional information
For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Pascal Hablützel: pascal.hablutzel@vliz.be.
Does this vacancy appeal to you?
Send in a cover letter and CV no later than 16th June 2024.
- By post: Jan Mees, General director, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende
- By mail: jobs@vliz.be with subject “Vacancy 2024_012_PhD Plankton Metagenomics”
You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.
VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.
Procedure
Based on the received cover letters and CV’s, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview in the course of June. In case you are selected for the interview, you will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ (or online if necessary) on 12th July 2024. Employment can start immediately after the selection procedure and ideally not later than 1st October 2024.