Postdoc Position: Ecosystem Size Spectra Analysis Radboud University in Netherlands

This postdoctoral position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to join the ERC Advanced Grant project 'The Power of Size', focusing on ecosystem size spectra analysis. The project aims to establish scaling relationships describing the emission, fate, and effects of pollutants as a function of organism and community size. The research is highly interdisciplinary, spanning hydrology, socioeconomics, toxicology, and ecology, and seeks to derive overarching principles that apply across these fields.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be responsible for collecting data from databases, reviews, articles, and reports, and for deriving and comparing statistical and mechanistic relationships. You will serve as lead author for publications in scientific journals and present your findings at international conferences. The position specifically involves Task 3.1 of the project, which focuses on theoretical and empirical scaling relationships linking species richness, trophic level productivity, and community biomass to size spectra under environmental stress. By merging existing and new relationships on key indicators, you will develop equations describing ecosystem structure and functioning as a function of size and other relevant properties. The theoretical framework will be tested on empirical data collected within the project.

You will join the WP3 team, collaborating with Prof. Jan Hendriks, Dr. Wilco Verberk, Dr. Aafke Schipper, and a PhD candidate, as well as other researchers from WP1 and WP2. The research group is theory- and data-driven, contributing to both fundamental science and regulatory applications. Your work will support urgent risk assessment for over 1,000 substances, more than 1,000 species (including humans), and 1,000 sites worldwide. You will also have the opportunity to attend courses offered by the Graduate School of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Science to further develop your research and assessment skills. Supervising students and assisting in teaching BSc/MSc courses may take up to 10% of your working time.

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 at the C1 level and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary mindset are required. The position offers a temporary contract of one year, with the prospect of extension for up to 2.75 years depending on FTE. Salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538 per month, with additional benefits including holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, extra leave days, flexible working hours, sports membership reimbursement, discounts on cultural activities, pension plan, and training opportunities.

Radboud University is committed to high-quality scientific research and education, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. The Department of Environmental Science aims to provide knowledge for greater sustainability, understanding anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems and humans, and identifying solutions for a sustainable society. The Faculty of Science is internationally oriented, with staff from over 70 countries, and offers ample opportunities for personal and professional development.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Prof. Jan Hendriks. Review the application form for required documents. Interviews will be scheduled during the recruitment period, and feedback will be provided promptly. The position will start as soon as possible, but no later than 1 September 2026.