PhD Scholarship: Role of Mangrove Ecosystems for Nature-Based Coastal Climate Adaptation University of Antwerp in Belgium

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship focused on the role of mangrove ecosystems in nature-based coastal climate adaptation. This four-year doctoral project is based in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and is part of the Centre of Excellence on Global Change Ecology and the Ecosphere research group. The research addresses urgent challenges faced by (sub)tropical coastal regions, such as shoreline erosion and flooding due to sea-level rise and intensified storms. Mangrove forests are increasingly recognized as sustainable, nature-based solutions for coastal protection, but knowledge gaps remain regarding their early-stage establishment and effectiveness in wave attenuation.

The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms controlling the development and persistence of young mangrove ecosystems for shoreline protection. The project integrates controlled flume experiments at the MESODROME tidal flume facility, geospatial data analysis, and numerical modelling. Field data from a large-scale mangrove restoration project in the Guayas delta (Ecuador) will be analyzed, and coupled vegetation-growth and wave-transformation models (including SWAN) will be developed to identify critical environmental thresholds for mangrove establishment and coastal protection. The research will explore how wave attenuation and mangrove survival depend on life stages, and how feedbacks between vegetation growth and wave dynamics can lead to alternative stable states.

The PhD student will join a multidisciplinary, international team and be supervised by Prof. Stijn Temmerman and Dr. Ken Schoutens, with collaboration from ESPOL University (Ecuador) and industry partner Jan De Nul. The position offers opportunities for experimental design, data analysis, remote sensing, modelling, scientific writing, and limited teaching. The scholarship is initially for one year, renewable up to four years upon positive evaluation, with a monthly stipend, ecocheques, and commuting support. The main workplace is Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp.

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a MSc in Biology, Ecology, Bio-Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Physical Geography, Earth Sciences, or a related field by the start date (no later than September 1, 2026). Strong interest in coastal and wetland systems, nature-based solutions, and vegetation–wave interactions is essential. Experience in experimental ecological research, quantitative data analysis, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, numerical modelling, or programming (R, Python) is beneficial. Good English communication skills are required. The application deadline is February 12, 2026. For more information, visit the research group pages or contact the supervisors directly.