CONTEXT
The successful candidate will work in the framework of the FWO-V research project "Identifying reservoir species for insect-borne viruses through large-scale analysis of serostatus in African wildlife".

Arboviruses are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by blood-sucking insects. This project will test whether animal species with large numbers of offspring and in close proximity to humans play a significant role as hosts. To test this hypothesis, seroprevalence studies will be conducted in the laboratories of our partners on more than 30,000 samples of African rodents, bats, birds and primates. The animal species for which the positive findings are made will be identified in the KBIN by molecular method. Therefore, we are looking for a scientific collaborator to identify the host species via DNA barcoding and to phylogenetically frame the host species with additional nuclear genes. This project is carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITG) and the Institut de Recherche pour le dévelopement (IRD Montpellier).

Tasks
Molecular identification of mammals (DNA extractions, PCR, DNA sequencing, ...)
Management of tissue collections used
Contribute to the interim and final reporting of the project
Contribute to the publication of the results obtained
Supervising the laboratory work of (foreign) student

DIPLOMA
Diploma : Master of science, biology, genomics, biotechnology, ...
Experience : maximum 5 years after graduation

TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
Experience working in a molecular genetics laboratory
Experience with processing and reporting DNA data in GenBank
Knowledge of languages: Dutch and/or French, English

GENERIC COMPETENCE
Independence, initiative
Collaboration, good interpersonal skills
Willingness to travel at home and abroad (e.g. foreign laboratories)

We offer
Full-time position of fixed duration (18 months from 01/11/2022)
Remuneration according to the legal pay scales for an Assistant (depending on seniority)
The possibility of developing a doctoral project as part of this project, or through a separate grant.
Free public transport between home and the Institute

How to apply
Please send your motivation and CV including the contact details of two referees by 26 September 2022 to everheyen@naturalsciences.be.