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Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

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PhD position in phytoplankton trait diversity and ecosystem modelling Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Sep 21, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Biology
Biodiversity
Earth Science
Trait-based Ecology
Ecological Modeling
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About this position

PhD opportunity in phytoplankton trait diversity, ecosystem modelling, and lake ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in collaboration with Wageningen University.

The project focuses on integrating diversity in phytoplankton resource acquisition traits into the mechanistic lake model PCLake+ to better understand how biodiversity shapes ecosystem structure and functioning. The research is part of the BILMo (Biodiversity Inspired Lake Modelling) project, which aims to improve predictions of community composition and ecosystem processes under warming and changing resource availability (light, nitrogen, phosphorus).

You will work on sensitivity analyses, meta-analyses, and scenario analyses, with a focus on phytoplankton inter- and intraspecific trait diversity, biomass, productivity, and functional diversity in lake ecosystems. The project combines field observations, laboratory experiments, and mechanistic models, and includes collaboration with other PhD candidates and postdocs across the BILMo team.

Supervision is by Dedmer van de Waal and Mandy Velthuis, with broader project involvement from Anita Narwani, Keisuke Inomura, and Damien Bouffard. The position is based in Wageningen, Netherlands, with work carried out at both NIOO-KNAW and Wageningen University.

Eligibility highlights: an MSc degree in environmental sciences, computational ecology, quantitative biology, or a related field; interest in trait-based ecology and ecosystem modelling; experience with large datasets and programming in R, Python, or Matlab is an advantage; and professional English proficiency is required.

Funding and terms: this is a 48-month PhD appointment with a gross monthly salary of €3,204–€4,051 for full-time work, plus standard Dutch university/KNAW benefits. The project also offers training through NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen University, and PE&RC.

Deadline: 21 September 2026. Apply through the AcademicTransfer portal.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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