sprint vacancy

Do you want to study the effects of pesticides on insect diversity in different types of farms? And the effects of pesticide mixtures on honeybees and bumblebees in small-scale experiments? Do you have proven affinity with quantitative analysis and laboratory experience? Then this could be the perfect PhD project for you!


We are hiring a PhD candidate that will investigate (1) the effects of pesticides on insect diversity in different types of farms. The project will compare insect diversity between conventional farms that use mixtures of pesticides and organic farms in 11 sites over Europe. The candidate should coordinate the data collection and analyse the data. This candidate will also study (2) the effects of pesticide mixtures on honeybees and bumblebees in small-scale experiments. In these experiments, the candidate will measure behaviour, physiology, cognition, gut microbiome and lifespan of honeybees and bumblebees. The microbiota of bees contributes to tolerance of environmental stress, nutritional status and disease resistance. Pesticides are thought to deplete bees of their key symbiotic gut microbes that are crucial to health of bee colonies. A better understanding of this problem may help us to preserve host-adapted symbionts and prevent bee mortality and colony loss.

The study will involve statistical analysis of big data. The PhD candidate will participate in a large team of scientists. The PhD project is part of the large 5-year EU (h2020) program SPRINT (https://sprint-h2020.eu/), involving 14 countries. SPRINT seeks to develop a Global Health Risk Assessment Toolbox to assess impacts of plant protection products (PPP) on ecosystem, plant, animal and human (EPAH) health.

The starting date for this position will be April 1st 2021.

We ask

  • a MSc in biology (ecology), microbiology, host-microbe interactions, animal sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine
  • proven affinity with quantitative analysis (statistical analyses, microbiome analysis and/or mathematical modelling)
  • experience with working in a laboratory
  • excellent communication and writing skills
  • a creative and collaborative personality
  • have excellent command of English (preferably contributed to a peer-reviewed paper)

More information

For more information about this function you can contact Prof. Frank van Langevelde, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone: +31 317 484750

For questions about the procedure you can send an email to Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Do you want to apply?

If you fulfil the requirements listen under WE ASK, we welcome your application for this vacancy. You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. You need to upload all the documents listen below.

Upload the following documents:

  • letter of motivation
  • CV including the contact information of 2 references
  • list of grades (bachelor and master, or equivalent)

This vacancy will be listed up to and including February 16th 2021. The first interviews will take place from March 1st till March 5th  2021.Equal opportunities WUR is an equal opportunity employer. We are keen to receive applications from all sufficiently qualified people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, functional impairment, religion/life philosophy, sexual orientation, or age.