PhD candidate for integrated environmental impact assessment of offshore wind farms Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University is offering a PhD position in integrated environmental impact assessment of offshore wind farms, hosted at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Department of Industrial Ecology, in collaboration with TNO. The project sits within the NWO-ORC NO-REGRETS consortium, which studies ecological and socio-environmental impacts of offshore wind farms in the North Sea and develops tools for nature-inclusive offshore wind development.

The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary project that develops an integrated stressor-receptor-impact assessment framework for offshore wind farms, with a particular focus on installation, operation, and maintenance activities. Research topics include biodiversity and ecosystem impacts in life cycle assessment (LCA), underwater noise and vibration, seabed and hydrodynamic change, fisheries and marine transport interactions, chemical emissions, microplastic releases, and the translation of monitoring, field, and modelling data into long-term biodiversity impact indicators and characterization factors.

The project also aims to develop cumulative impact and scenario assessment approaches to support sustainable offshore wind deployment, maritime spatial planning, environmental decision-support tools, and nature-inclusive design. A key interest is how mitigation or enhancement measures such as optimised scour protection and engineered reef units may contribute to ecological outcomes alongside carbon and social benefits.

The role is embedded in a broad research network involving marine ecology, offshore engineering, environmental modelling, and life cycle sustainability assessment, with interaction with ongoing TNO work on offshore wind sustainability and decision support. The position is based in Leiden, in the Faculty of Science, a strongly interdisciplinary environment with close links to academic, governmental, and industrial partners.

Applicants should hold a completed research MSc in environmental sciences, industrial ecology, marine sciences, sustainability science, renewable energy, engineering, ecology, or a related field. Strong analytical and quantitative skills are expected, together with experience in programming or data analysis such as Python, R, MATLAB, or GIS. Excellent English skills and the ability to work independently and in teams are also required.

This is a paid PhD position with an initial one-year contract and the possibility of extension up to four years based on performance. Salary is on Dutch university pay scale P, ranging from €3,059 gross per month in the first year to €3,881 gross per month in the final year for a full-time appointment. Additional benefits include holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, and flexible working arrangements.

The application deadline is 1 August 2026. Candidates should apply via the online recruitment system and upload a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Email applications will not be considered. The desired start date is 1 September 2026.