About the Program
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Tree Cultivation at the Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Wageningen, Netherlands. This doctoral position focuses on understanding soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning to enhance sustainable roadside tree cultivation, reducing reliance on pesticides and artificial fertilisers while protecting surface water quality. The PhD will be part of the SolidTree project, a transdisciplinary consortium including tree growers, social scientists, data scientists, and engineers. The position offers hands-on experience in field sampling, controlled experiments, laboratory analyses, and bioinformatics, with opportunities for international collaboration, scientific publications, and conference presentations. The research duration is 4 years (1-year initial appointment + 3 years after evaluation), with a preferred start date in May 2026.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
- Department/Faculty: Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Wageningen
- Supervisor: Dr. Ciska Veen (Head of Department), Dr Basten Snoek (Utrecht University)
- Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): May 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully funded PhD, P scale (€3,059–€3,881/month gross), including vacation and year-end bonuses, travel allowance, home working allowance, and pension
- Working Hours: Full-time (38 hrs/week, part-time 0.8 FTE possible)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
- Sustainable roadside tree cultivation
- Plant-soil-microbe interactions
- Field sampling and controlled experiments
- Chemical and molecular laboratory analyses
- Bioinformatics and statistical data analysis
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- MSc in soil microbial ecology, plant-soil interactions, ecology, or a related discipline
- Strong learning mindset and adaptability
- Fluent in English, driver’s license B
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with field sampling, greenhouse experiments, laboratory work, chemical/molecular analyses
- Familiarity with (multi)variable statistics, bioinformatics
- Experience in scientific writing and presentations
- Knowledge of Dutch is advantageous
Key Features of the Program
- Fully funded PhD with an excellent benefits package
- Integration into the PE&RC graduate school, with access to courses in ecology, research methods, statistics, and transferable skills
- Active research environment with weekly seminars, science lunches, and journal clubs
- Collaborative, transdisciplinary project with HAS Green Academy and Utrecht University
- Opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter summarising motivation and experience, CV, and contact details of two professional referees via email.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two referees’ contact information (name, address, telephone, email)
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Open
- Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Interviews: 16–17 March 2026 (online or in-person)
Where to Apply
- University Website: NIOO-KNAW
- Official Notification: Click Here
- Application Portal: Click here
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