Peter van Bodegom
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1 days ago
PhD student on Key Performance Indicators for biodiversity-inclusive agriculture Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Paid PhD position with salary range €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis; initial one-year contract with option to extend up to 4 years, following pay scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Deadline
Nov 23, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
PhD research at Leiden University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) focuses on developing validated and tangible key performance indicators for biodiversity improvements in agriculture and horticulture. The project is part of the NWO-KIC RISE project, Resilient Integrated Systems for Ecosystem restoration, and is carried out in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology and Wageningen University and Research.
You will work at the intersection of innovation science, system dynamics, value chains, biodiversity restoration, and real-world decision-making by farmers and agrifood stakeholders. A central part of the project is co-developing a system dynamics model for agrifood transitions together with an interdisciplinary team of four PhD candidates and with farmers and societal stakeholders.
The doctoral project includes evaluating barriers and opportunities for nature-inclusive initiatives in farming practices, designing biodiversity indicators for two regional case areas, creating actionable biodiversity strategies for regional agricultural stakeholders, and exploring how these strategies can be scaled to new agricultural landscapes and applications.
You will be based at the Institute of Environmental Science (CML) within the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, a research environment that emphasizes sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and academic freedom. CML is part of a wider scientific setting that connects environmental sciences with other disciplines across the faculty and collaborates with partners in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus sustainability network and Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.
Funding details
Paid PhD position with salary range €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month on a full-time basis; initial one-year contract with option to extend up to 4 years, following pay scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
What's required
A master’s degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a related field is required. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in biodiversity research, ideally in agricultural or horticultural settings, and be able to work in an interdisciplinary team. Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with academic and non-academic stakeholders are expected, along with excellent written and spoken English. Willingness to conduct fieldwork in Dutch agricultural and horticultural regions is required; speaking Dutch is a strong advantage because the project involves interviews and workshops with Dutch farmers, growers, and regional stakeholders.
How to apply
Apply through the online recruitment system using the blue button on the vacancy page. Upload your CV, cover letter (max 2 pages), and the names and contact details of at least two referees. Applications by email will not be considered.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. at Leiden University
Netherlands
Research Interests
Horticulture
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Biology
Prof. at Leiden University
Netherlands
Research Interests
Horticulture
Sustainable Agriculture
System Dynamics
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.