Chemical compounds present in human odor are affecting anopheline mosquito behavior. Previous research has shown that human odor can be efficiently collected and then analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The human odor profiles were shown to consist of a large number of compounds of which several have been identified and shown to give an olfactory response in mosquitoes. In the present project, this analysis will be further refined. Odor profiles of attractive and non-attractive humans will be analyzed by GC-MS and correlations between these profiles and attractiveness investigated using statistical methods. Also we will couple EAG to GC-MS to find out which peaks elicit a strong response in mosquitoes. Peaks that on the basis of these analyses are of particular interest will be investigated in more detail. Identification is one of the prime targets of this further investigation and this will be achieved by several GC-MS approaches, preparative GC(-MS) followed by NMR and synthesis.

Higher Professional Education
The successful candidate will have a degree (BSc level) in Chemistry. They should have experience with GC-MS, statistical data-analysis, compound isolation/identification and preferably chemical synthesis. Furthermore, the candidate must have a reasonable command of spoken and written English.
We expect a candidate who can work independently and demonstrate active interest and abilities in novel research that will enhance the research project.

- Technical/Laboratory

Additional information about the job:
Facilities:
The work will be done in the Business Unit Bioscience of Plant Research International in Wageningen. Plant Research International has extensive facilities for volatile analysis and compound identification such as several GC-MSes and preparative GC.

Wageningen University and Researchcentre Department of Plant Sciences, chair group Entomology

The Laboratory of Entomology in collaboration with the Business unit Bioscience of Plant Research International will conduct a study to elucidate the identity of volatile compounds that attract or repel malaria mosquitoes. This project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the project is to develop attractive and repellent odor blends that can be used for the disruption of mosquito behavior as part of an integrated malaria control strategy. This is a multi-national project conducted with 6 partner organizations: The Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Research International, Vanderbilt and Yale universities, USA and institutes in Tanzania and Gambia. Plant Research International will be responsible for the analysis of human odors and the identification of repellent and attractant compounds.

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2517
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: Temporary for a period of two years.
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
A full-time position, temporary for a period of two years. Gross salary will be max.
€ 2.517, - per month, according to the collective labour agreements of the Dutch Universities.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr. Harro Bouwmeester
Telephone number: +31 317 475882
E-mail address:

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job by sending your application to:

This work is part of a multi-national research project encompassing approx. 20 research scientists in 5 different research laboratories and field stations. Exchange of scientific data by electronic means as well as participation in international workshops and meetings is an essential aspect of this position.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT: DPW 05-21.