PhD Candidate on Impacts of Nitrogen Deposition on Tree-Soil Relations Utrecht University in Netherlands

Are you fascinated by the interplay between nitrogen deposition, soil processes, and forest health under environmental stressors? The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position within the Department of Population Health Sciences, embedded in the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). This interdisciplinary project investigates how nitrogen deposition and soil acidification impact microbial communities and forest vitality, with a focus on weakly buffered forest ecosystems.

The research addresses the accumulation of nitrogen compounds in Dutch soils, leading to acidification and altered mineral uptake, which in turn limits vegetation growth and survival. The project explores how eutrophication and acidification interact with drought sensitivity in tree species, a concern exacerbated by climate change and increasing forest mortality. A key hypothesis is that deteriorating soil microbial communities, affected by these stressors, may shift in species composition and reduce the soil’s water-holding capacity, further impacting forest health.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Study the effects of nitrogen deposition and soil acidification on soil microbial communities and their influence on tree growth and survival.
• Conduct fieldwork in forests with nitrogen deposition gradients, both in the Netherlands and internationally, focusing on sandy soils.
• Perform soil sampling and tree growth measurements using dendrometers.
• Carry out laboratory analyses, including genetic (PCR) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses, microbial biomass assessments, soil carbon measurements, respiration, and enzymatic activity studies.

The project is part of a larger initiative measuring and modeling spatial and temporal patterns in nitrogen deposition and air concentrations. You will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and benefit from Utrecht University’s commitment to professional development, flexible employment conditions, and a supportive, inclusive environment.

Eligibility: Applicants must have an MSc in ecology (preferably with a focus on soil microbial ecology), strong field and laboratory skills, experience with experimental design and statistical analysis, and excellent English communication abilities. Independence, eagerness to learn, and teamwork skills are essential.

Funding: The position offers a one-year contract, extendable to four years upon positive evaluation, with a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (full-time), plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and additional benefits under the Dutch university collective agreement.

Application: Submit your CV and motivation letter via the Utrecht University job portal by 3 March 2026. For more information, contact Dr. René Verburg, Dr. Daniel Martins Figueiredo, or Professor Roel Vermeulen.

Utrecht University values diversity and strives for an inclusive academic environment. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection process.