Frederik De Laender

The University of Namur is offering a PhD position starting in Fall 2026 under the supervision of Professor Frederik De Laender. The research will focus on how changes in forest tree species composition impact soil biodiversity, carbon storage, and the population dynamics of micro-organisms. The project integrates field data from Walloon forests with ecological theory, aiming to understand ecosystem resilience and the conditions under which ecosystems can return to their original state after disturbance. This PhD opportunity is part of a collaborative effort between UNamur, UCLouvain, and ULiège, providing a vibrant research environment at the intersection of forest ecology, soil science, and theoretical ecology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in complex systems science, with additional expertise in forest ecology, soil science, or theoretical ecology considered an asset. While specific funding details are not provided, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Frederik De Laender for more information and to stay tuned for further announcements regarding the application process. The position is based in Belgium, and the research will contribute to advancing knowledge in ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and environmental science. Key academic keywords include forest ecology, soil biodiversity, carbon storage, population dynamics, micro-organisms, complex systems science, ecosystem resilience, ecological theory, Walloon forests, and soil science. Application window opens for Fall 2026, with more details to be shared in the coming months. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their expertise in relevant fields and reach out for further information.

The University of Namur in Belgium invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in theoretical and computational ecology, focusing on forest soil ecosystem stability, carbon cycling, and reversibility. This position is part of the SHIFT project, a collaborative initiative between UNamur, UCLouvain, and ULiège, aimed at understanding how shifts in forest tree species composition impact soil organic carbon storage, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in ancient forests of Wallonia. The successful candidate will join the Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE) at the University of Namur, working under the supervision of Professor Frederik De Laender. The research will center on modelling and integration, using empirical data from extensive field campaigns to reconstruct soil ecosystem carbon budgets and develop dynamic models of complex soil ecosystems. The project seeks to elucidate how changes in tree species composition influence the functioning, stability, and reversibility of forest soil ecosystems. Key responsibilities include integrating data on soil carbon pools and fluxes, microbial communities, soil fauna, and ecosystem functioning; estimating carbon budgets using quantitative and probabilistic methods; developing dynamic models to study ecosystem stability, resilience, and the potential for irreversible change; and investigating the interplay between biodiversity and soil conditions in determining the reversibility of restored ecosystems. The candidate will collaborate closely with researchers in forest ecology, soil science, and microbial ecology across the three partner institutions. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in theoretical ecology, complex ecosystems, ecological stability and resilience, biodiversity–ecosystem functioning, ecological networks, and dynamical systems. The lab offers a stimulating international research environment with expertise in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning, coexistence theory, ecological stability, and complex ecological networks. Applicants must hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree or equivalent in Ecology, Environmental Science, Computational Biology, Theoretical Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a related discipline. Essential qualifications include strong quantitative and analytical skills, experience with programming and data analysis (preferably in R; Python, Julia, Matlab, or similar also welcome), and excellent command of English. Experience with ecological modelling, dynamical systems, network analysis, Bayesian statistics or probabilistic modelling, mathematical biology, and multivariate data analysis is desirable. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team is required. The position is fully funded for four years, subject to standard doctoral regulations. Benefits include support for participation in international conferences, workshops, and training activities, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, internationally connected research environment. The exact starting date is flexible and can be discussed with the selected candidate. To apply, submit your application by email to Prof. Frederik De Laender by the deadline. Include a motivation letter, CV, a copy of your Master thesis or equivalent, and the names and contact details of three referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in early August 2026, which may include a practical exercise. Informal enquiries about the position and project are welcome. The University of Namur is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, and applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged. For further information, visit the supervisor’s academic page or contact via email. The application portal is also available for submissions.

The University of Namur is offering a fully funded Doctoral Candidate (PhD) position in Global Change Biology and Community Ecology as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP . The project is based in the Department of Biology at the University of Namur in Namur, Belgium , with an expected start date of 1 March 2027 . This doctoral project (DC7) investigates how response diversity and mean response can help predict the effects of global change on ecological communities. Using high-throughput laboratory microcosm experiments with algae and heterotrophic protists , the project will test how environmental drivers such as temperature change , nutrient enrichment , and biomass extraction affect species coexistence and temporal stability. The work combines controlled experiments with statistical analysis and close interaction with the theoretical modelling work in DC6. ReDiLEEP is an international network bringing together universities, research institutes, and non-academic partners across Europe and beyond to advance response diversity research and translate findings into ecosystem management, restoration, and biodiversity policy. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary doctoral cohort and benefit from training in response diversity methods, data management, reproducible code, R/Tidyverse , machine learning and AI for ecologists, visualisation, science-policy communication, and policy brief writing. Responsibilities include designing and conducting laboratory microcosm experiments, analysing experimental data using state-of-the-art statistical approaches, communicating results to model developers, disseminating research through publications and conferences, and participating in network training, secondments, reporting, and cohort activities. The position includes 6 months of planned secondments at the University of Zürich . Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent in Ecology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline; strong interest in community ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; experience with ecological experiments and/or quantitative data analysis; strong skills in data analysis, preferably in R; and excellent English. MSCA eligibility rules apply, including the mobility rule and the requirement not to already hold a doctoral degree. Funding: the position is funded for 48 months under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks framework, with gross salary in accordance with the Marie Curie Fellowship regulation and employment under University of Namur regulations. How to apply: send a single PDF application in English by 15 September 2026 to [email protected] . Include a cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, a statement confirming MSCA mobility-rule eligibility for Belgium, and contact details of two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in English.

Frederik De Laender is recruiting two fully funded PhD candidates to join the group at the University of Namur (UNamur), Belgium as part of ReDiLEEP , a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network focused on how response diversity can help explain and predict the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change. DC6 is a theory-focused PhD project combining mathematical ecology , dynamical systems , and computational modelling to study how environmental drivers affect species coexistence and ecosystem stability . DC7 is an experimental PhD project using aquatic microcosms to test whether mean species responses and response diversity can predict the effects of environmental disturbances on coexistence and temporal stability. The positions are fully funded for 48 months and include international secondments, network-wide training, and collaboration with researchers across Europe and beyond. Applicants should be interested in community ecology , biodiversity , and environmental change . A strong quantitative/modelling background is especially valuable for DC6, while DC7 seeks candidates with interest in experimental ecology and quantitative data analysis. Deadline: 15 September 2026. How to apply: Follow the application links in the post and submit your application before the deadline. Contact the announcer for more information if needed.