Reindert Nijland

Wageningen University & Research is recruiting for a fully funded PhD position on local food web dynamics within offshore wind farms in the North Sea POWER consortium (Progress in Offshore Wind Ecological Research). The project focuses on how biofouling communities in offshore wind farms affect primary and secondary production , carbon cycling , and blue carbon sequestration in the seabed. The work combines laboratory experiments , in-situ fieldwork , and ecosystem modelling to improve ecological understanding and support environmental impact assessments for offshore wind development. You will be hosted at Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, the Netherlands , and work closely with the Marine Animal Ecology Group at Wageningen University & Research. The project is part of a larger consortium with shared meetings, fieldwork, and training across multiple PhD and postdoc positions. Research topics include grazing rates, carbon biomass, prey preferences, particle export, faeces sinking velocity, fouling species, eDNA, and DNA metabarcoding. The role also includes publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and mentoring BSc/MSc students. Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field; experience with laboratory experiments and ecological fieldwork; interest in ecological modelling and data analysis; strong quantitative and technical skills; and excellent English (minimum CEFR C2). Funding: fully funded PhD with salary from €3,204 per month in year 1 to €4,051 per month in year 4, plus standard WUR employment benefits. The contract is initially for 18 months and may be extended for the project duration. Deadline: 20 October 2026 . Apply via the WUR vacancy page using the online application button. Submit a CV (max 2 pages) and motivation letter (max 1 page); total documents must not exceed 3 pages. Transcripts are not required at this stage.