Early Career Postdoc: Seagrass nursery-plant ecophysiology and biogeochemistry for ecosystem restoration NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research in Netherlands

NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is recruiting an early career postdoctoral researcher for the Department of Coastal Systems (COS) to help develop a pilot-scale seagrass nursery in the Netherlands. The project is closely tied to large-scale coastal ecosystem restoration in the Dutch Wadden Sea, where seagrass meadows have largely declined and restoration is being scaled up.

The successful candidate will take a leading scientific role in developing and optimizing seagrass cultivation. The work spans controlled experiments in aquaria and larger outdoor cultivation units, with a focus on how nutrient availability, inorganic carbon, light, and environmental cues influence growth and reproduction of Zostera marina and Nanozostera noltei. The aim is to translate ecological and physiological understanding into practical cultivation protocols for producing restoration material at scale.

This postdoctoral position sits at the intersection of plant ecophysiology, biogeochemistry, marine ecology, and applied ecosystem restoration. The department studies coastal systems as integrated ecological units, including physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape productivity and function. The researcher will collaborate closely with NIOZ scientists, technical staff, and external partners, contributing both experimental insight and hands-on development of a new seagrass nursery system.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as plant physiology, plant ecophysiology, aquatic plant biology, marine botany, biogeochemistry, or aquatic ecology. Experience with hypothesis-driven experimental research is essential, and a strong background in plant physiology or biogeochemistry is especially welcomed. Previous seagrass experience is advantageous but not mandatory. The role requires strong data analysis skills, clear scientific communication in English, practical problem-solving ability, and comfort working directly with living plants, cultivation systems, and monitoring equipment.

The position is based at NIOZ-Texel / NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, with work linked to the pilot nursery in Lauwersoog. The contract is for 3 years at 40 hours per week. The remuneration follows CAO-WVOI scale 10 and includes standard Dutch research institute benefits such as holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension, travel reimbursement, relocation support, and help with accommodation. The application deadline is 15 October 2026, and interviews are planned for November 2026.

Applicants should apply via the vacancy page. Questions about the vacancy can be directed to Prof. Dr. Ir. Tjisse van der Heide, and procedure-related questions should be sent to [email protected].