Wageningen University & Research invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in tropical ecology, focusing on the project ‘Seed dispersal shapes succession’ (Seeds 4 Success). The successful candidate will investigate plant-animal interactions and the role of seed dispersal in shaping secondary forest succession, with a particular emphasis on restoration ecology. The research is based in the Netherlands but involves extensive fieldwork in tropical forests in Mexico. Project Overview: Tropical forests are biodiversity hotspots but are frequently deforested for agriculture. However, these forests can regrow naturally on abandoned land, offering significant potential for biodiversity and carbon recovery. The project aims to understand and predict the conditions under which forests recover, focusing on the importance of forest cover, seed trees, and animal dispersers in facilitating seed movement and forest regeneration. Research Objectives: The PhD will address three main research components: (1) a pantropical synthesis of how seed dispersal influences long-term forest recovery; (2) a landscape study in Mexican dry and wet forests to assess how landscape quality and patch characteristics affect animal disperser diversity and subsequent seed dispersal; and (3) a seed addition experiment to quantify the relative importance of seed dispersal and tree establishment for forest regrowth. The project integrates plant, animal, and landscape ecology, advancing successional theory and informing effective forest restoration strategies. Supervision and Research Environment: The position is embedded within the Forest Ecology and Forest Management chair group at Wageningen University, and is part of the PANTROP and REFOREST-IT! teams. The supervisory team includes Prof. Lourens Poorter (lead), Prof. Miguel Martínez-Ramos, Prof. Jorge Meave, Dr. Iris Hordijk, and Dr. Jente Otteburghs. The university offers a vibrant, international, and inclusive research environment, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. Candidate Profile: Applicants should hold an MSc in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. Essential qualities include a passion for science and conservation, ability to conduct fieldwork in remote environments, strong teamwork and intercultural skills, and proficiency in English (C1 level). Programming skills in R, data management experience, and familiarity with acoustic monitoring or camera traps are advantageous. Spanish language skills and a driving license are preferred. Funding and Benefits: The position is fully funded, with a gross monthly salary starting at €3,059 and rising to €3,881 in the fourth year (full-time, 38 hours/week), in accordance with Dutch university standards. Additional benefits include a year-end bonus, excellent pension scheme, flexible working hours, and access to campus sports facilities. The contract is initially for 18 months, with extension contingent on performance. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Wageningen University & Research website by 2 December 2025. Only online applications will be considered. Candidates must also complete a mandatory additional information form. The first interviews are scheduled for 9 and 10 December 2025. For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the supervisor profiles and the official vacancy page. Wageningen University & Research is committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment for all staff and students.

Wageningen University & Research is offering two fully funded PhD positions within the Forest Ecology and Forest Management Chair Group (FEM) to investigate the fire resilience of Amazonian forests in Bolivia. These positions are part of an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Masha van der Sande, focusing on the present-day mechanisms and impacts of fire on tropical forests. The research will be conducted in both seasonally dry Chiquitanía forests and evergreen wet Amazon forests, utilizing permanent plot networks and a fire experiment. PhD project 1 will focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying forest resilience to fires, including resistance and recovery. The candidate will expand and manage a permanent monitoring network of plots in both burned and unburned forests, analyzing gradients of fire frequency and intensity. The project will also involve quantifying functional traits of trees that are relevant to fire resilience. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Masha van der Sande, Prof. Marielos Peña-Claros, and Dr. Peter van der Sleen. PhD project 2 will investigate the physiological and morphological impacts of fires on trees, aiming to understand the processes behind tree mortality and recovery. The candidate will implement a tree-level fire experiment in both dry and wet forests, applying different fire intensity and frequency treatments to selected tree species and monitoring their responses over 1-2 years. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Masha van der Sande, Prof. Hans Cornelissen, Dr. Silvia C. Gallegos, and Prof. Lourens Poorter. Both PhD candidates are expected to conduct fieldwork in Bolivia for approximately three months per year during the first three years. The projects offer ample opportunities for collaboration, including integration with postdoctoral research on paleo-ecological timescales and dynamic forest modeling. Candidates will be based in Wageningen, working at least four days per week on campus when in the Netherlands, and are expected to write at least three scientific publications as part of their PhD. Applicants should have an MSc in a relevant field (biology, forest & nature conservation, plant sciences), strong English skills, and preferably knowledge of Spanish. Experience in forest ecology, tree physiology, fieldwork in remote locations, statistical analysis, and an interest in fire and climate change impacts are important. Wageningen University offers excellent employment conditions, including a competitive salary, benefits, and support for international staff. The application deadline is November 26, 2025, with interviews scheduled for January 2026.