Postdoc: Effects of urbanization on plant distributions - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

Explore the Effects of Urbanization on Plant Distributions with NIOO-KNAW in Wageningen

What you will be doing

For a KNAW funded project, we are seeking a postdoc to execute a pilot project on the use of historical plant distribution data to investigate effects of urbanization on plant species. Based on available plant occurrence records that go back for almost two centuries, the project aims to detect trends in species distributions in relation to urbanization. This pilot study will be executed in collaboration with Stichting FLORON and the KNAW Meertens Institute, and is part of a project that includes analysis of Flora Batava records, which contain some of the oldest plant distribution data in the Netherlands.

• Assess available data to determine the geographic and taxonomic scope of the analysis.
• Develop approaches to link plant distribution data to (historic) urbanization data.
• Perform data analyses and visualizations to reveal historic trends in species distributions in relation to urban environments.
• Lead the preparation of a scientific publication.

What you will be contributing

• PhD in plant ecology or a related field.
• Strong data handling and analysis skills.
• Proficiency in R (or comparable programming language).
• Curious mindset and experience in analyzing spatial data (a plus).
• Good command of English (written and spoken).
• Team player who enjoys interacting with diverse collaborators.

What we are offering

• 6-month postdoc position (1.0 FTE, with possibility to work part-time) in a stimulating research environment.
• Ample opportunities to expand your network and collaborate with colleagues from different institutes and organizations.

Your workplace

You will be appointed at the Department of Terrestrial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. From your position at NIOO-KNAW, you will interact in the project with colleagues at FLORON, Meertens Institute and the Vrije University Amsterdam.

More information

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Koen Verhoeven (koen.verhoeven@nioo.knaw.nl).

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.

Terms of employment

• Depending on education and experience, the minimum salary is €3,546 and the maximum salary is €5,538 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW).
• This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
• The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits, tailored to different needs depending on stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions.
• By working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
• Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.