University of Amsterdam
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PhD Position in Vegetation, Soil Microbial Processes, and Carbon Cycling University of Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Temporary PhD contract for 4 years at 38 hours per week, with an initial 18-month contract and extension after satisfactory evaluation. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year, increasing to €4,051 in the final year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. A favourable 30% tax ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
Deadline
Oct 18, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Amsterdam
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About this position
PhD position at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), focused on how vegetation structure and functional traits influence soil microbial ecology, below-ground microclimate, and ecosystem carbon cycling across spatial scales.
The project addresses how drought and heat waves affect soil microorganisms and carbon storage, and how vegetation can buffer climate extremes by modifying soil temperature, moisture, and carbon allocation belowground. You will combine controlled experiments, field observations, remote sensing (including LiDAR and multi-/hyper-spectral imagery), ecosystem flux measurements, and process-based modelling.
You will be jointly supervised by Dr. Yifang Shi, Dr. Albert C. Brangarí, Dr. Emiel van Loon, and Prof. Franciska de Vries. The work is based in the Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology and the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics, with collaboration across IBED, ICOS, and national/international partners.
Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Natural Sciences or Engineering; experience with modelling, quantitative data analysis, and programming; strong English; and the ability to work independently and in a team. Helpful extras include remote sensing, carbon modelling, plant functional traits, eddy-covariance, and soil microbial ecology.
Funding: 4-year PhD contract, 38 hours/week, salary from €3,204 gross/month in year 1 to €4,051 in year 4, plus holiday and year-end allowances. The position includes an educational plan, teaching opportunities, and standard UvA employment benefits.
Deadline: 18 October 2026. Apply online via AcademicTransfer and include a CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, and two references.
Funding details
Temporary PhD contract for 4 years at 38 hours per week, with an initial 18-month contract and extension after satisfactory evaluation. Salary is €3,204 gross per month in the first year, increasing to €4,051 in the final year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. A favourable 30% tax ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc degree in the Natural Sciences (e.g. Earth Science, Biology, Ecology, Physics) or Engineering. Required experience includes modelling, quantitative data analysis, and programming, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Advantageous experience includes remote sensing data analysis (multi- and hyper-spectral imagery, LiDAR), process-based carbon modelling, plant functional traits, eddy-covariance and other carbon flux measurements, and soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry.
How to apply
Apply online via the vacancy webpage using the Apply button. Submit a CV with months for education and work experience, a motivation letter, degree certificates or equivalent, and the names and email addresses of two references in one PDF file for all documents except the CV. Applications must be complete and received by 18 October 2026.
More information can be found here
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