PhD Position Spatial determinants of nature restoration

Do you want to study a biodiversity positive future? Do you like working with maps and spatial data? Then apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

PhD research on spatial factors of nature restoration and rewilding

Restoration of nature through targeted actions such as re-wetting and re-wilding are crucial to halt the decline of biodiversity and enhance resilience of landscapes to climate change. Restoration of nature takes place both in natural areas and working landscapes. However, little is known about where and what conditions enable nature restoration projects to be successfully implemented. In areas with high land use pressures obtaining land for nature restoration may be difficult and may involve resistance. In other locations the added value of restoration may be smaller. Having insight in the spatial factors influencing locations of nature restoration will help effective targeting of investments.

In this PhD, you will make an assessment of the spatial location factors of nature restoration at European scale through:

1. reviewing the locations and location characteristics of successful and failed nature restoration and rewilding initiatives
2. assessing the potential for restoration and rewilding through European scale mapping of the spatial locations of restoration and rewilding
3. simulating scenarios of potential nature restoration locations under alternative priorities and changing land use pressures
4. investigating the potential contributions of high potential locations to biodiversity and ecosystem services

The research includes review of existing restoration projects, spatial analysis and spatial modelling.

This research is part of two Horizon Europe projects: WildCard and NatuRISE. The work will be carried out at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) in collaboration with consortium partners and colleagues within the institute coming from different disciplines.

Your duties

• You conduct innovative research on the locations of nature restoration and rewilding
• You develop and apply modelling approaches that enable the analysis of future nature restoration actions in a dynamic land use context
• You write a PhD thesis based on a series of scientific papers that document your research
• You collaborate with colleagues to perform project tasks and work together with other PhD students in developing spatial modelling approaches

Your profile

• You have a master degree in geography, environmental sciences or a related field.
• You have demonstrable experience with quantitative spatial research approaches and the use of assessment approaches or dynamic models.
• You have experience with spatial analysis and data processing, preferably ArcGIS or QGIS.
• You have affinity with interdisciplinary research and willingness to engage with both natural and social science perspectives.
• You have good communication skills in English (spoken and written).

We recognise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. We would like to invite everyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not fully meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• an employment contract of initially 18 months, with extension to a total of 4 years if there is sufficient perspective; your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract
• a PhD education programme including training for teaching assistants and courses that are part of the SENSE graduate school
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• a solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• discount on and occasionally exclusive access to theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

About us

Institute for Environmental Studies

IVM is a leading environmental research institute that is internationally recognized for its high quality research output in a range of environmental disciplines, as well as for its interdisciplinary work. The mission of the institute is to contribute to sustainable development and care for the environment through scientific research and teaching. IVM aims to do excellent problem-oriented research that is useful to a wide range of stakeholders in the Netherlands and internationally. A unique strength of our research is to understand sustainability problems in their social and economic context.

IVM research community works within four departments: Environmental Economics, Environmental Policy Analysis, Environmental Geography, and Water and Climate Risk. IVM is part of the Faculty of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This position is based within the Environmental Geography department. The Environmental Geography department conducts interdisciplinary research on the spatial aspects of environmental and social challenges and the solutions sustainable land use can provide to these.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research.