Fully Funded PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Soil Science at NIOO-KNAW & Wageningen University, Netherlands (2026)

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and Wageningen University & Research have announced a fully funded PhD position focused on forest ecology, soil science, and climate change research in the Netherlands. The project investigates the hidden belowground ecological processes linked to European beech masting dynamics and their responses to global environmental change.

This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in soil ecology, forest ecosystems, biodiversity, predictive modeling, long-term ecological data analysis, and climate change impacts on ecosystems.

Applications are open until 21 June 2026.

About the PhD Project

European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) exhibit strong year-to-year fluctuations in seed production, known as “masting.” Some years produce massive seed outputs (“boom years”), while others produce very few seeds (“bust years”). These fluctuations significantly affect forest food webs, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem functioning.

Although climatic drivers of masting are relatively well understood, the role of belowground ecological processes remains poorly explored. This PhD project aims to uncover how soil properties, nutrient cycling, soil organisms, and litter processes influence and respond to mast seeding dynamics under climate change.

The research combines:

• Long-term ecological monitoring
• Soil ecology
• Field experiments
• Predictive ecological modeling
• Statistical programming in R
• Experimental design
• Soil biological and physicochemical analyses

Research Objectives

The selected PhD candidate will work on several interconnected research activities, including:

• Analyzing a 50-year time series of beech seed production data in the Netherlands
• Investigating spatial variation among individual trees
• Conducting extensive soil sampling and ecological characterization
• Monitoring abiotic environmental conditions using sensors
• Studying litter decomposition and nutrient cycling processes
• Performing controlled experiments with beech litter
• Developing predictive ecological models related to masting dynamics

The project provides strong interdisciplinary exposure connecting:

• Soil ecology
• Forest ecology
• Animal ecology
• Community ecology
• Plant physiology
• Climate change biology
• Ecosystem processes

Required Qualifications

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in:

• Ecology
• Soil Science
• Forestry
• Plant Ecology
• Plant Physiology
• Environmental Science
• Or a related discipline

The institute is looking for candidates who are collaborative, motivated, and interested in interdisciplinary ecological research.

Preferred skills include:

• Ecological field sampling
• Time-series data analysis
• Soil biota identification
• Statistical analysis
• Programming in R

A valid driver’s license (Category B or equivalent) and strong English proficiency are also required.

Funding and Salary

This is a fully funded PhD position with a duration of four years at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), located in Wageningen, Netherlands.

Salary

The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 per month.

Additional benefits include:

• 8% vacation allowance
• 8.3% year-end bonus
• Pension contributions
• Travel allowance
• Internet and home-working allowance
• Up to 41 vacation days annually

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026.

Research Environment

The PhD candidate will be jointly embedded within the:

• Department of Terrestrial Ecology
• Department of Animal Ecology

at NIOO-KNAW in Wageningen.

The institute offers:

• State-of-the-art ecological laboratories
• stable isotope and molecular facilities
• Climate-controlled experimental infrastructure
• Long-term ecological datasets
• International collaboration opportunities
• Weekly seminars and journal clubs

The candidate will also register as a PhD researcher at Wageningen University and become part of the PE&RC Graduate School, gaining access to advanced training courses and workshops in ecology, statistics, and transferable research skills.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for two referees

Applications must be submitted online through the KNAW application portal.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 21 June 2026
• Interview Invitations: By 23 June 2026
• Interview Date: 29 June 2026
• Expected Start Date: 1 September 2026

Official Application Link

Official Application Portal: KNAW application portal

Why You Should Apply

This PhD position stands out because it combines:

• Long-term ecological datasets
• Forest ecology
• Soil biology
• Climate change research
• Predictive ecological modeling
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

The project also offers access to one of Europe’s leading ecological research environments with strong international visibility and advanced research infrastructure.

For students interested in forest ecosystems, biodiversity, soil ecology, and climate resilience, this is an outstanding opportunity to build a high-impact academic career in Europe.

*Source: NIOO-KNAW PhD Position Announcement