This PhD position at Maastricht University focuses on soil microbial ecology and greenhouse gas fluxes, aiming to understand how soil nutrients and labile carbon control microbial processes that regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team of ecologists and environmental scientists in the Department of System Earth Science at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), working at the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo—a hub for research and innovation in sustainable agriculture and ecology. The project investigates the regulation of soil microbial activity, greenhouse gas fluxes, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, combining greenhouse gas flux measurements, soil volatilome profiling, and microbiome analyses to uncover mechanisms driving microbial control of soil–atmosphere interactions. Research activities include manipulative field and greenhouse experiments, laboratory analyses, and international collaboration with Linnaeus University (Sweden) and the University of Parma (Italy). Supervision is provided by Prof. Martin Bader, Prof. Paolina Garbeva, and Assist. Prof. Kevin Van Sundert. The candidate will design and conduct experiments, measure greenhouse gas fluxes, profile soil volatiles, analyze soil microbiome composition and function, integrate biogeochemical, microbial, and environmental data, present work at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to teaching and community activities. Applicants should hold or be about to complete a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, have experience with field and laboratory methods in soil or ecosystem ecology, be familiar with statistical data analysis (ideally using R), and possess strong English communication skills (minimum B2 level). Willingness to conduct fieldwork abroad and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Additional assets include experience with molecular or microbiological methods, handling large datasets, and knowledge of generalised linear models or multivariate analyses. The position offers a 12-month contract with the prospect of a three-year extension, a competitive salary, holiday and year-end bonuses, generous vacation days, flexible working hours, commuting and internet allowances, a pension plan, fitness options, and access to sports facilities. Maastricht University provides a stimulating, supportive research community and an inspiring work environment. The application deadline is 7 December 2025. Interested candidates should submit a CV, motivation letter, and contact details of two referees via the provided application link. For further information, contact Prof. Martin Bader via email.