PhD Genomics and Functional Genetics of Temperature-dependent Egg Development Time in Insects

The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a :

PhD candidate Genomics and Functional Genetics of Temperature-dependent Egg Development Time in Insects.

Vacancy number: 15758

Project Description 
Climate change is exerting strong selection on wild populations, with many species showing shifts in the seasonal timing of development. One particularly vulnerable group are insect species that overwinter as eggs, with warmer winters leading to stronger population declines compared to other insect species. The most important factor to predict whether insect populations can adapt their egg development time to climate change, is the amount of genetic variation present for this trait. However, the genetic underpinning of egg developmental time in insects is poorly known.

You will address this knowledge gap in the group of Maurijn van der Zee, as part of an NWO ENW M2 grant funded in collaboration with Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). You will:

• Identify candidate genes and alleles targeted by selection on egg development time, using genomic sequencing data of wild winter moths collected over the past 20 years, and of artificial selection lines in the model insect Tribolium castaneum.
• Compose an integrative overview of genes and developmental pathways involved in temperature-dependent egg development to determine universal targets of selection for egg development time in insects. 
• Analyze RNAseq data from natural populations of 12 different insect species (including bugs, butterflies, and grasshoppers) to further identify and validate which genes are temperature-responsive during egg development. 
• Functionally test these genes and alleles in Tribolium using RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
• Determine the amount of genetic variation present for these universal genes in wild insect populations using genomic and transcriptomic data.
• With this last step, your work will contribute to predicting which populations harbor sufficient genetic variation in relevant genes to effectively respond to selection by climate change. You will communicate your work at conferences, in scientific publications, and in an academic thesis resulting in a PhD degree.

Selection Criteria

• MSc in Biology or related field
• Experience or affinity with analyses of genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data
• Wet-lab experience with, or eager to learn, molecular biological techniques such as molecular cloning, qPCR, RNAi, and CRISPR/Cas9
• Interested to work with insects
• Strong interest in ecology and evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo)
• Ability to work independently, but also to collaborate in an academic research team
• Skills to communicate scientific data in spoken and written English

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} staff and almost 5000 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 

For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  http://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges.

The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.   

Terms and conditions  

• We offer a  full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). 
• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave.
• Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Maurijn van der Zee (m.van.der.zee@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications 
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae

Only applications received before 9 July 2025 can be considered. Interviews will be held in July. Decision will be taken before 1 August 2025. Preferred start date is 1 October 2025.