Postdoc Position: Ecosystem Size Spectra Analysis Radboud University in Netherlands

Radboud University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Ecosystem Size Spectra Analysis within the ERC Advanced Grant project 'The Power of Size.' Based at the Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), this position offers the opportunity to investigate how environmental stressors impact ecosystems as a function of organism and community size. The project aims to establish scaling relationships describing the emission, fate, and effects of pollutants, with applications across hydrology, socioeconomics, toxicology, and ecology.

The successful candidate will focus on Task 3.1, deriving theoretical and empirical scaling relationships linking species richness, trophic productivity, and community biomass to size spectra under stress. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data from diverse sources, developing and testing statistical and mechanistic models, and publishing results as lead author. The work is both theory- and data-driven, contributing to fundamental research and regulatory risk assessment for over 1,000 substances, species, and sites worldwide.

The postdoc will join a collaborative team led by Prof. Jan Hendriks, Dr Wilco Verberk, and Dr Aafke Schipper, and will supervise students and assist in teaching at the BSc/MSc level (up to 10% of time). The department offers a supportive, international environment with around 75 members and access to training and development through the Graduate School of RIBES.

Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, with experience in systematic data collection, statistical analysis, and modeling complex systems. Proficiency in English (C1 level) and a collaborative mindset are essential. The position is offered at 0.8–1.0 FTE, with a gross monthly salary of €3,546–€5,538, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, flexible working hours, generous annual leave, sports/cultural discounts, and a good pension plan. The initial contract is for one year, with the prospect of extension for up to two years (1.0 FTE) or 2.75 years (0.8 FTE).

Applications are accepted via the Radboud University job portal. Address your application to Prof. Jan Hendriks and include all required documents. The deadline is 28 June 2026, but applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position must be filled by 1 September 2026 at the latest.