Postdoctoral researcher: Long-term ecological research on Lake IJsselmeer - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

At the Department of Aquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen, you will support a long-term ecological research programme on Lake IJsselmeer, the largest reservoir of the Netherlands, providing important ecosystem services such as drinking water, fishing habitat, and flood risk protection.

What you will do

You will support a long-term ecological research programme on Lake IJsselmeer which is currently focused on water chemistry and phytoplankton. You will provide additional expertise to add value to the project. You will join a one-day pilot research cruise on the lake on 2 July 2026 and analyse the findings. You will conduct and interpret analyses within your area of expertise that increase understanding of the functioning of Lake IJsselmeer and/or improve the methodologies and data pipelines for long-term sampling and analysis on Lake IJsselmeer. You will prepare scientific publications and give conference presentations. This initiative is important to the strategic development of the Aquatic Ecology Department, and you will also help raise the profile of the Lake IJsselmeer project through a variety of communication channels.

What you bring

We seek an aquatic scientist who brings one or more novel, complementary and/or interesting approaches or methodologies. Examples of approaches that would add value to the long-term programme include, but are not limited to:

• Algal pigment analysis
• Phytoplankton trait analyses
• Benthic studies
• Remote sensing
• Cyanobacterial toxin analyses
• eDNA analyses
• (Automated) zooplankton analysis
• Experimental assays
• Statistical expertise

You are experienced with data handling, storage, and quality control of datasets. You can communicate well in written and spoken English. You enjoy collaborating with a team while staying proactive and independent, and you know when to seek support to achieve the best results.

What we offer

We offer an attractive position for 0,8 - 1,0 FTE for one year within the Department of Aquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), located in Wageningen. The department has five research groups supported by research assistants and hosts numerous students, PhDs and postdocs. By contributing to the long-term research programme on IJsselmeer, you will play an important role in advancing the strategic goals of the Aquatic Ecology Department while further developing your own expertise, professional network, and research profile. NIOO also offers various training opportunities and a collegial atmosphere.

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO, we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.