PhD: Does an Island’s Geologic History Predict Its Ecosystem Resilience Today Utrecht University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, investigates the relationship between the geological history of islands and the resilience of their ecosystems in the face of human-induced environmental change. The project focuses on ecosystem health and resilience, considering geological and paleoenvironmental changes over millions of years. Ecosystem resilience is defined as the capacity to manage disturbance by resisting, recovering, or adapting to change, with adaptation occurring on evolutionary timescales. The research aims to determine whether the intensity and frequency of paleoenvironmental changes predict ecosystem resilience to current environmental challenges.

Islands serve as natural laboratories and model systems for this study. The hypothesis is that islands with intermediate dynamic geological histories have produced ecosystems more resilient to disturbances, while those with stable or highly disturbed histories are more vulnerable. The project involves reconstructing the paleoenvironmental history of selected volcanic islands, focusing on sea level fluctuations (especially during the Pleistocene), volcanism (including ages and types of activity, caldera eruptions, and collapses), and human settlement phases. Cape Verde is chosen as a case study, with volcanic activity dated using zircon minerals from beach sands.

The PhD candidate will quantify ecosystem resilience using ecological parameters such as taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, as well as traits like niche breadth. Statistical analyses will be performed to test the predictive power of paleoenvironmental history on ecosystem resilience in response to human-induced changes. The candidate will join a research group led by Dr. Lydian Boschman (daily supervisor), Professor Douwe van Hinsbergen (promotor), Dr. Sietze Norder (co-supervisor, island biogeography and human-nature relationships), and Dr. Valérie Reijers (co-supervisor, ecology and ecosystem adaptation), all within the Faculty of Geosciences.

A personalised training programme will be developed, with about 20% of time dedicated to training, including courses, workshops, and assisting in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. The candidate will interact with scientists, the Municipality of Utrecht, the Dutch Geological Survey, and industry partners, gaining exposure to diverse career paths in academia and the applied sector.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Earth sciences with affinity for biodiversity/biogeography/ecology, or in biology/ecology with affinity for geology/volcanology/geochronology. Enthusiasm for geological fieldwork and excellent English skills (C1 level) are required. International candidates must provide diplomas and grade lists in English, and may need approval from the Board for Conferral of Doctoral Degrees. The position is for one year, extendable to four years upon successful assessment, with the intent to complete a doctorate. The salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 per month (full-time), plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension scheme, parental leave, and flexible employment terms. Utrecht University offers additional schemes for professional development, leave, sports, and cultural activities.

The Department of Earth Sciences conducts research across geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology, and hydrogeology, with key themes including Earth & Planetary Processes, Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Planetary Health & Environment, and Climate & Life. Facilities include world-class laboratories and high-performance computing. Utrecht is a vibrant city with a historical centre and excellent transport links.

Applications must be submitted online via the Utrecht University portal by June 15, 2026. Include a motivation letter, CV, and academic credentials. Reference letters are not required initially. International candidates should allow at least four months for visa processing. The start date is no later than January 1, 2027. For informal information, contact Dr. Lydian Boschman. Utrecht University values diversity and strives for an inclusive environment.