Peter van Bodegom

This fully funded PhD position at Leiden University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the interactions between novel protein crops (quinoa, white lupin, and aardaker) and soil microbiomes within the REAP2SOW consortium. The research aims to understand how these crops influence soil microbial communities and functions, and how such interactions can enhance plant growth, soil health, and resilience to climate extremes. The project will employ a combination of on-farm observations, field experiments, controlled laboratory and greenhouse studies, and meta-analyses. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other PhDs and stakeholders across universities, contributing to the design and execution of interdisciplinary experiments focused on the protein transition and sustainable agriculture. The position is based at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), a vibrant and supportive research community within Leiden University’s Faculty of Science. CML is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to environmental challenges, professional development opportunities, and collaborative culture. The faculty is located in the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, and offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse academic environment. Applicants should hold an MSc in ecology, soil sciences, agronomy, or a related field, and demonstrate experience or strong interest in soil microbiomes, plant-microbe interactions, and agricultural systems. Skills in experimental design, laboratory and field work, and complex data analysis are essential. Experience with microbiome bioinformatics is a plus. Proficiency in English is required. The university values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The position offers an initial one-year contract, extendable for up to three additional years based on performance, with a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881 gross/month), holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, flexible and hybrid working options, home-working allowance, and comprehensive benefits. PhD students benefit from tailored training and professional development through the Graduate School of Science. To apply, submit your application via the Leiden University online recruitment system, including your CV, cover letter, and contact details for two referees, quoting the vacancy number. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Emilia Hannula at [email protected] (please do not send applications via email).

This PhD position at Leiden University focuses on the system integration of greenhouse horticulture energy hubs, aiming to transform greenhouses from energy consumers into hubs that generate, convert, and store energy for both local use and the wider energy grid. The project is conducted in collaboration with TU Delft and is part of the SPROUT project funded by RVO. The research addresses the technical, governance, and social challenges of implementing system-positive energy hubs, with the goal of supporting the sector's transition to carbon neutrality by 2040 and mitigating grid congestion. As a PhD candidate, you will upscale models and tools developed by other work packages, identify viable business models for system-positive operation, quantify barriers to adoption, and optimize hub archetypes for large-scale implementation. The project also explores synergies with neighboring hubs and regional infrastructure to strengthen business cases and overcome challenges. The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with a strong focus on sustainability, professional development, and academic freedom. CML collaborates with TU Delft, Erasmus University, and the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, and is part of the Faculty of Science, which hosts diverse research activities across mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, bio-pharmaceutical sciences, biology, and environmental sciences. Applicants should have a MSc degree relevant to the topic, proficiency in Python or similar modelling tools, experience with complex systems and datasets, analytical thinking, scientific writing skills, and an interest in interdisciplinary science, including governance and social sciences. The university values inclusiveness and diversity, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. The position offers an initial one-year contract, extendable up to four years based on performance, with a salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month. Benefits include holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, home-working allowance, laptop, flexible working hours, and access to training courses through the Graduate School of Science. The university provides a supportive environment for professional and personal growth, with options for sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and other secondary employment conditions. To apply, submit your application via the online recruitment system, including your CV, cover letter (max 2 pages), and contact details of at least two referees, quoting the vacancy number. The deadline for applications is 25 June 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Peter van Bodegom or Dr. Francesco Lombardi. For more details about the Institute of Environmental Science and the Faculty of Science, visit Leiden University Faculty of Science and CML . Information about working conditions and diversity policies can be found at Working at Leiden University and Diversity at Leiden University .