Vacancy Postdoc 'Mosquito Behavior and vector control'

Job description

Are you an enthusiastic and driven postdoctoral researcher with a passion for malaria research and vector biology? Then we invite you to apply for a unique opportunity within an international research project aimed at reducing the burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. 

In this role, you will develop and implement mosquito behavior assays in malaria-endemic settings to investigate how vector control interventions, such as spatial repellents, influence mosquito behavior. You will study host-seeking, blood-feeding, and flight patterns of mosquitoes using a combination of laboratory, semi-field, and field approaches.

Your work will involve innovative techniques such as 3D flight tracking and biting behavior analysis using our recently developed biteOscope platform. These experiments will be conducted both at Radboudumc and in the field, in close collaboration with an experienced research team in Kenya. The insights gained from your research will contribute directly to optimizing the deployment of spatial repellents to reduce malaria transmission.

You will be part of a diverse and international team, working in close partnership with local collaborators in Kenya. A significant portion of your work will take place in the field, offering a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in low-resource settings. This position is jointly supervised by Prof. Teun Bousema (malaria epidemiology) and Dr. Felix Hol (vector biology), ensuring strong scientific guidance across disciplines. It provides a unique chance to contribute to applied and impactful research that directly supports public health efforts in malaria-endemic regions.

Place of work

You will be based at the Department of Medical Microbiology at Radboudumc in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. This department hosts a world-leading, young, and dynamic malaria research group led by a team of principal investigators with expertise spanning fundamental biology, vaccine development, and field studies. This unique combination of knowledge and excellent facilities enables the study of various aspects of mosquito biology and malaria transmission.

The position is embedded within two complementary research teams: the vector biology team led by Dr. Felix Hol and the malaria epidemiology team led by Prof. Teun Bousema. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment where collaboration and knowledge exchange are central. In addition to experimental work at Radboudumc, you will conduct field research in Kenya, working closely with local researchers and institutions. This international component offers a valuable experience in working across diverse cultural and scientific contexts.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health. 

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Profile

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in mosquito behavior and malaria epidemiology. You have a broad experimental background and are motivated to work in an international and multidisciplinary setting. Experience with research in low-resource environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa, is preferred, but candidates with a strong desire to gain this experience are also encouraged to apply.

You have an open and creative mind, a strong affinity for quantitative biology, and a passion for solving complex problems using innovative methods. You enjoy working with a diverse and international team and actively contribute to the success of the project.

• A PhD in life sciences, (quantitative) biology, entomology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills.
• A creative, independent, and interdisciplinary mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.
• A willingness to learn new techniques and approaches.
• Preferably international experience.
• Preferably experience with research activities in low-resource settings.

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.598 and € 5.669 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 3 October 2025. We will then contact you shortly.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to 
Felix Hol, Assistant Professor.  Use the Apply button to submit your application.