PhD in Human-mediated Plant Introductions, Genomics, and Island Forest Evolution Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Netherlands

Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, The Netherlands, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on dating and tracing human-mediated plant introductions in the Pacific Islands. This interdisciplinary project integrates genomics, archaeology, and ecology to unravel the co-evolution of people and plants across Pacific island ecosystems, with a special emphasis on the impacts of early European colonialism. The successful candidate will use cutting-edge genomics tools and isotope dendrochronology to trace and date key forest species, conduct fieldwork on Rota Island, and collaborate with international experts as part of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network project, PacificPeopleForest.

The position offers access to world-class laboratory facilities, over 40 million natural history specimens, and a vibrant, international research community. The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Frederic Lens, Dr. Marta Domínguez Delmás, and Dr.

Angelica Cibrian Jaramillo, and will involve close collaboration with other PhD students in the consortium. The role includes publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and participating in both academic and social activities within the Naturalis PhD community. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, experience with molecular data and bioinformatics, and preferably experience with tropical fieldwork and plant biogeography.

The position is fully funded, with a competitive salary, bonuses, pension, and additional benefits. The application deadline is November 23rd, 2025, with interviews scheduled for November 27-28. For more information, candidates can contact Dr. Frederic Lens or the HR department at Naturalis.