Postdoc on Food Systems Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam (2026) - Fully funded

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is offering an exciting fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position titled: 

"Reconciling food systems sustainability and biodiversity conservation"

This interdisciplinary opportunity is ideal for researchers interested in:

• environmental science,
• land-use modelling,
• biodiversity conservation,
• sustainability transitions,
• socio-ecological systems,
• and environmental geography.

The position is hosted within the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at the Faculty of Science of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

About the Research Project

The postdoctoral position is part of the international research project “emBrace” funded through the Biodiversa+ programme.

The project focuses on understanding how sustainable food systems and biodiversity conservation can be integrated through:

• land-use planning,
• participatory scenario development,
• socio-ecological assessments,
• and sustainability governance.

The project involves collaboration across four European case studies and combines environmental modelling with policy and governance research.

Position Details

Feature	Details
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area	Food Systems Sustainability & Biodiversity Conservation
Institution	Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Department	Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)
Location	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Contract Duration	Initially 1 Year (Possible Extension)
Employment Level	0.8–1.0 FTE
Salary	€3546 – €5538 per month
Application Deadline	28 May 2026
Preferred Start Date	Before 1 September 2026

Research Responsibilities

The selected researcher will work on interdisciplinary sustainability research combining:

• land-use modelling,
• biodiversity conservation,
• and socio-ecological systems analysis.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Land-Use Modelling

You will:

• develop land-use modelling approaches,
• explore nature-centred future scenarios,
• and translate qualitative sustainability visions into spatially explicit outputs.

The work focuses on understanding how food systems and conservation goals interact spatially.

2. Biodiversity and Conservation Analysis

The project involves:

• historical and conceptual analysis of protected areas,
• conservation governance,
• and multifunctional land-use systems.

You will investigate how biodiversity conservation strategies can coexist with sustainable land-use planning.

3. Comparative European Case Studies

Researchers will collaborate across multiple European case studies to:

• compare sustainability pathways,
• integrate knowledge across regions,
• and improve interdisciplinary environmental assessments.

4. Project Coordination and Collaboration

The role also includes:

• supporting project coordination,
• assisting with international collaboration,
• organizing meetings and dissemination activities,
• and contributing to project deliverables.

5. Scientific Publications

You will:

• publish peer-reviewed research papers,
• present findings at international conferences,
• and contribute to high-impact sustainability science research.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Geography, Environmental Science, Sustainability Science, or a related discipline
• Strong research profile with publications
• Experience or strong interest in land-use modelling, spatial socio-ecological assessments, scenario analysis, sustainability transitions

Preferred Skills

Additional advantages include:

• interdisciplinary research experience,
• stakeholder engagement skills,
• teamwork coordination,
• and transdisciplinary collaboration experience.

Knowledge of Spanish, or French is considered beneficial but not required.

Excellent English communication skills are essential.

About the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)

The Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) is internationally recognized for:

• environmental sustainability research,
• interdisciplinary environmental science,
• climate and biodiversity research,
• and socio-economic sustainability analysis.

The institute focuses on solving environmental challenges through scientifically grounded policy and sustainability research.

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the leading research universities in the Netherlands.

The university is known for:

• interdisciplinary research,
• sustainability science,
• international collaboration,
• and socially engaged research.

The Faculty of Science includes:

• more than 8,000 students,
• over 1,400 staff members,
• and strong international research networks.

Salary and Benefits

The university offers:

• salary between €3546–€5538 per month,
• 8% holiday allowance,
• 8.3% year-end bonus,
• commuting reimbursement,
• extensive leave benefits,
• and professional development support.

Additional benefits include sports facilities, flexible working arrangements, and personalized employment benefits.

Why This Opportunity Is Important

This position sits at the intersection of:

• biodiversity conservation,
• sustainable food systems,
• environmental governance,
• and land-use modelling.

Researchers working in sustainability science increasingly need interdisciplinary expertise combining:

• environmental modelling,
• policy understanding,
• and socio-ecological systems analysis.

The project provides strong exposure to European sustainability and biodiversity research frameworks.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

1. Motivation letter
2. Academic CV
3. Contact details of one or two references

Important: Applications via email are not accepted.

Official Application Link

Apply here: Apply for the VU Amsterdam Postdoc Position

Final Thoughts

This is an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in:

• sustainability transitions,
• biodiversity conservation,
• land-use modelling,
• food systems research,
• and environmental governance.

Candidates with interdisciplinary environmental science backgrounds and strong analytical skills will be particularly competitive.

Because sustainability and biodiversity challenges are becoming central global research priorities, this position offers strong long-term academic and policy career value.