Fixed-term

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The architectures and dynamics of ecological interaction networks are crucial determinants of the assembly of ecological communities. The environmental context can reshape ecological communities by modifying the presence and outcomes of biotic interactions, ultimately influencing species traits, abundance and distributions. This PhD project will use the highly diverse and dynamic plant-microbial networks in the arctic environment as study system to investigate of why and how complex plant-microbial biotic interaction networks change along abiotic gradients, and what the ultimate consequences of such changes are on microbial and plant community assembly. For reaching the objectives, the PhD will combine field and greenhouse experiments, perform DNA and RNA molecular analyses, and apply joint species distribution models to analyze the data. By providing a mechanistic understanding of species interactions in plant-microbial networks, this project will enable improved predictions on how biodiversity will respond to the ongoing global change. DUTIES The doctoral researcher position will involve conducting fieldwork in Finnish Lapland, conducting greenhouse experiments, contributing to laboratory sample preparation, and contributing to bioinformatic and statistical analyses. Apply between 28 January 2026and28 February 2026 23:59(Europe/Helsinki) Who we are looking for We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and productive individual who is willing to gain hands-on experience in both field and greenhouse experiments, is highly motivated to develop data analysis skills, and is willing to contribute intellectually to the project’s development. Suitable candidates should hold a Master’s degree by the start of the position in ecology and evolution, microbial ecology, plant ecology, or a closely related field within the broader umbrella of community ecology, and demonstrate an interest in plant–microbial research and data analysis. Experience in fieldwork and plant or microbial systems will be considered beneficial. The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science through a separate application procedure after selection for the position. Benefits Funding for 3 years in the Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Scienceof the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. Supervision in all aspects of the work (from field to data analysis skills), possibility to join workshops to improve specific skills in e.g., bioinformatics, data analysis. International, enthusiastic working environment (working language is English) in a friendly research group with a large collaborator network. Resources for travel to conferences or workshops abroad. The Doctoral Researcher will be supervised by Dr. Nerea Abrego, together with a group of co‑supervisors whose expertise will complement the supervisory team. The Predictive Community Ecology Group led by Nerea Abrego and Otso Ovaskainen is an international and multidisciplinary group currently consisting of ca. 25 senior researchers, postdocs and PhD researchers focusing on the interface between empirical, statistical and mathematical community ecology. We are broadly interested in community ecology, in particular in gaining a predictive understanding of species-rich communities through strengthening the link between empirical data and general theory in community ecology. To achieve this, we develop and apply novel methods to collect, analyze, and integrate complex ecological community data. A central component of our work is the development and application of advanced statistical models, such as joint species distribution models. Our research spans multiple ecosystems and taxa, with a strong focus on species‑rich systems, such as fungi, bacteria, and insects. At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle. Finland has a high standard of living with healthcare, free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, and good family benefits. The city of Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. It is a major educational center, whose large student population is responsible for a vibrant cultural scene. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University’s Handbook for international staff and visitors. The initial annual salary will be approximately 31400 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months. How to apply? The application documents that should be included in PDF format: A two-page long Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters Max 2-page motivation letter including a statement of research interests and reasons for applying Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the MSc) A numbered list of publications, if any Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by February 28, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered. For further details, please contact Associate Professor Nerea Abrego, nerea.n.abrego-antia@jyu.fi. We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers(Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles. Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants

The research groups of Prof. Bart Lievens (Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems), Prof. Barbara De Coninck (Plant Health and Protection Laboratory, Biosystems Department), and Prof. Hans Jacquemyn (Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Department of Biology) have joined forces and are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated PhD student to conduct innovative scientific research in the field of biological control to manage pest insects. These groups have strong expertise in plant-microbe-insect interactions, plant resilience and underlying molecular mechanisms, combining microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, plant physiology, entomology, chemical ecology and ‘omics’ approaches. Website van de eenheid Project Plants constantly face threats from insects that feed on them. To defend themselves early on, they emit blends of volatile compounds that attract egg-killing wasps (egg parasitoids) upon egg deposition by the pests. While egg parasitoids use these volatiles, along with others emitted by the adult host, as long-range signals to locate host eggs, compounds from the extrachorion matrix serve as contact cues for short-range searching during egg recognition and acceptance. In recent years, a growing body of research has suggested a potential role for egg-surface microorganisms in the host location behavior of egg parasitoids, but compelling evidence is still lacking. This project aims to investigate how egg-associated microbes influence the host location behavior of egg parasitoids, including the underlying molecular mechanisms. Specifically, you will isolate and identify key bacteria consistently found on eggshells and examine their role in (1) egg-mediated plant defense and long-range parasitoid foraging, (2) egg-mediated priming and enhanced parasitoid attraction, and (3) short-range host location behavior. As a model system, you will use tomato, the Southern green stinkbug (Nezara viridula) and its primary egg parasitoid, Trissolcus basalis. A better understanding of the role of microbes in egg-mediated plant resistance and the underlying mechanisms will offer new insights into natural plant defenses and support the development of sustainable pest management strategies. Profile The requirements for the PhD position are the following: ·        You hold a master’s degree in engineering technology, bioengineering, biology or equivalent (cum laude) ·        You have good knowledge of plant physiology (plant defenses), microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics/genomics and chemical ecology ·        You are a team player, a problem solver, and possess a critical mind ·        You are eager to learn new techniques or methods ·        You work independently and accurately ·        You have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in English ·        You are communicative and willing to present research results at (inter)national conferences, via social media and through teaching activities ·        You are willing to support the research team with teaching activities/ supervise student/ thesis projects. ·        Students graduating later this academic year can also apply. Offer We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, starting the latest on September 1st, 2026, and pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after 1 year. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions). You will benefit from the strong Belgian social security system as well. You will be part of a highly collaborative and innovative research team, where members actively support each other’s growth and development. You can expect a stimulating and encouraging environment in which your contributions are valued and your development as an independent researcher is a priority. You will receive advanced training in a wide range of techniques in the domain of plant-microbe-insect interactions. You will also have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network. Further, you will also collaborate with other experts in the field, including Antonino Cusumano (University of Palermo, Italy) and Nina Fatouros (Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands), having ample expertise with parasitoids and egg-mediated plant defenses. Interested? For more information please contact Prof. Bart Lievens, tel.: +32 16 32 75 43, e-mail:bart.lievens@kuleuven.be, Prof. Barbara De Coninck, e-mail:Barbara.deconinck@kuleuven.be, or Prof. Hans Jacquemyn, e-mail: hans.jacquemyn@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than March 15, 2026 via the online application tool Apply Now