PhD candidate on (peri-)urban nature-climate interactions

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Science at Leiden University) is looking for:

1 PhD candidate on (peri-)urban nature-climate interactions

Project:

Are you an enthusiastic early career researcher who is keen to contribute to biodiverse and climate resilient cities and peri-urban landscapes? Then this could be the ideal PhD position for you!

We are hiring a fully funded PhD candidate (4 years) for the NWO COMBINED project that addresses knowledge gaps on the relationship between climate change and nature in Dutch ecosystems. In the overall project, we contribute to studying measures on climate change, nature and society and the implementation of future strategies. Within the project, the PhD candidate will address several critical knowledge gaps for (peri-)urban areas. The PhD will be situated at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML).

The PhD research will contribute to understanding the future of urban areas, embedded in the broader physical and policy landscape. You will investigate how current policy and management measures in (peri)urban areas affect biodiversity and climate resilience, and how these measures interact with a changing climate and environmental conditions. By working closely with societal stakeholders, the research will help co-create tools to support planning and monitoring of nature-climate interactions. You will combine methods based in natural science with citizen science or governance approaches to create knowledge with societal relevance and credibility.

Preferred starting date is February 2025.

Selection criteria

• A completed MSc degree in environmental science, ecology, (physical) geography, urban planning, sustainability or a related field;
• Affinity with co-creating and co-producing research with diverse societal actors
• A good understanding of (urban) ecological systems
• Affinity with spatial analysis and/or modelling
• Ability to integrate knowledge on governance processes and urban ecosystems to inform policy and planning
• A team player with a collaborative attitude and ability to work within a team
• English language proficiency - we value experience with scientific writing.
• Dutch language proficiency in reading and speaking, or the willingness to acquire this during the first two years of the PhD

Research at our faculty

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Science which is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Institute of Environmental Sciences, Department of Environmental Biology, Leiden University

The core focus of the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers both within and between institutes. Presently, about 150 FTE (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. The CML has facilities to work with soil, water, microbes, and plants including growth chambers, large field experiments and molecular labs.

Terms of employment

We offer a 1-year position with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on performance. Salary ranges from € 2.872 gross per month in the first year to € 3.670 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website.