PhD candidate in genome evolution and architecture in unicellular eukaryotes

Are you fascinated by how eukaryotic genomes evolve? Do you want to look beyond model organisms and point mutations to uncover the complexity of genome evolution? Are you excited to use computational approaches to explore how genome architecture shapes evolution in a collaborative and stimulating environment? We offer a PhD position in our diverse research team in the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University & Research. As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how 3D chromosome folding influence how the genomes of unicellular eukaryotes evolve.

What will you do?

In this PhD project, you will study the genome evolution and architecture – including 3D folding - of understudied unicellular eukaryotes, using the latest computational approaches.

As PhD candidate in our lab, you will:

• utilize cutting-edge bioinformatics tools to trace the evolution of genomes, genes and proteins, including phylogenetic analyses and reconstructions;
• use new genomic data to characterize the large-scale and small-scale genome architectures of understudied eukaryotic microbes;
• deepen our understanding of eukaryotes’ diversification and origins;
• have the opportunity to pursue your own research questions and implement your ideas;
• work independently and develop your own research questions within the project;
• contribute to teaching in our courses and supervising BSc and MSc thesis students;
• work in a stimulating environment that combines evolutionary and cellular research on eukaryotes and prokaryotes, in a team operating at the forefront of unravelling the deep origins of eukaryotic cells, and we are expanding our explorations of the understudied world of eukaryotic microbes.

Even though this is a computational project, it offers possibilities to work on eukaryotic microbes in the wet lab.

Why?

Understanding how genomes evolve is fundamental to explaining species diversity and adaptation. Compared with prokaryotes, eukaryotic genomes show a greater structural and functional plasticity, with a larger genome size, a higher proportion of non-coding regions and a more complex 3D chromosome organization. Notably, genome evolution is not only driven by small mutations, but also by larger changes, including chromosome rearrangements and horizontal gene transfer. How and why such changes occur is still an open question, in particular for eukaryotic microbes, which dominate the eukaryotic tree of life but remain poorly studied. Recent studies, conducted in model organisms, suggest that these changes are induced by how chromosomes are folded in 3D. This 3D folding of the chromosomes typically allows distant genomic regions to interact. To gain a deeper understanding of genome evolution, including in non-model organisms, taking 3D chromosome folding into account is a promising direction.

You will work here

This PhD position is embedded within the Laboratory of Microbiology, and part of the Genome Evolution and Dynamics in Eukaryotes (GEDE) group, which is led by Jolien van Hooff. You will be co-supervised by Ursula Oggenfuss. We aim to get this position filled by March 2027.

Your qualities

You are an enthusiastic and curiosity-driven candidate with a strong interest in evolution, genomics and microbiology, especially for non-model protists. You have at least some experience with handling biological datasets and a strong drive to learn and apply bioinformatic approaches. Preferably, you have some knowledge of genome-wide analyses and phylogenetics. If you bring experience or a strong interest in the cultivation of protists, we are open to the possibility of integrating cultivation as part of your project.

You also possess:

• a MSc degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or a related field by the start of the project;
• programming experience with languages like Python and R and/or experience in bioinformatics analyses;
• a strong curiosity in learning about biological systems and to work interdisciplinary;
• good organization skills and a high level of independence;
• good verbal and written communication skills, as well as the willingness and ability to work together in teams.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment.

A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

Coming from abroad

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Ursula Oggenfuss, Postdoc, via email ursula.oggenfuss@wur.nl

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via email rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?

You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website: See https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/phd-position-genome-evolution-and-architecture-unicellular-eukaryotes

To apply, we ask the following documents (max. 3 pages in total):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

You can apply up to and including 2nd of November 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for the first half of November 2026.