Postdoc in Environmental Economics: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation at VU Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026)
Applications are open until 30 June 2026, with the expected start date on 1 October 2026.
About the GRACE Project
The successful postdoctoral researcher will join the four-year Horizon Europe project GRACE, which studies climate change adaptation (CCA) solutions in remote regions across Europe. The project investigates how adaptation measures can create benefits not only for local communities but also for wider territories, including urban and peri-urban areas.
Examples of expected co-benefits include:
Improved water quality
Reduced flood risk
Biodiversity conservation
Agroforestry and pastoral production benefits
Recreation and ecosystem service enhancement
Sustainable landscape management
A key aspect of the project is co-design and co-creation of knowledge with stakeholders and regional partners across Europe.
Research Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will lead economic valuation activities within the GRACE project.
Main responsibilities include:
Environmental Valuation Research
Design and implement survey-based valuation studies
Assess climate adaptation benefits and co-benefits
Develop economic valuation frameworks
Apply benefit-transfer methodologies
Scientific Publications
Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
Contribute to policy-oriented publications
Present findings to scientific and stakeholder audiences
Teaching and Supervision
Teach in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes
Supervise MSc and BSc students
Project Activities
Contribute to project milestones and deliverables
Participate in international consortium meetings
Organize workshops and stakeholder engagement activities
The position offers a combination of research, teaching, and international project collaboration.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualifications
PhD in:
Environmental Economics
Economics
Social Sciences
Or a related discipline
Required Skills
Strong quantitative analytical skills
Environmental valuation experience
Excellent English communication skills
Knowledge of at least one additional European language
Experience supervising BSc and MSc students
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in Horizon Europe or EU-funded projects
Project management experience
Interdisciplinary research background
Candidates with diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
About the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)
Founded in 1971, the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) is one of Europe’s leading environmental research institutes. It is internationally recognized for interdisciplinary research addressing sustainability challenges and environmental decision-making.
IVM conducts research through four departments:
Environmental Economics
Environmental Geography
Environmental Policy Analysis
Water and Climate Risk
The institute focuses on connecting science, policy, and society to address environmental and sustainability challenges.
About the Environmental Economics Department
The Environmental Economics Department is one of the largest environmental economics research groups in Europe, comprising approximately 35 scientific staff members and PhD researchers.
Research themes include:
Climate change
Ecosystem services
Water management
Circular economy
Energy transitions
Natural resource economics
The department actively collaborates with policymakers, stakeholders, and international research organizations.
Salary and Benefits
VU Amsterdam offers a highly competitive employment package.
Salary
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Benefits
8% holiday allowance
8.3% year-end bonus
ABP pension scheme
Commuting allowance
Personalized benefits package options
Extensive annual leave entitlement
A full-time 38-hour workweek includes 232 hours of annual leave, with additional leave options available for employees working 40 hours per week.
About VU Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the Netherlands’ leading research universities with over:
31,000 students
6,150 staff members
39 academic programmes within the Faculty of Science
The university is known for its commitment to sustainability, diversity, and interdisciplinary research. Its campus is located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, one of Europe’s major academic and innovation hubs.
Why This Position Is Attractive
This opportunity is ideal for researchers interested in:
Environmental economics
Ecosystem service valuation
Climate adaptation
Nature-based solutions
Sustainability science
Environmental policy
The position offers the chance to work on a major Horizon Europe project while collaborating with international stakeholders and contributing directly to climate resilience strategies across Europe.
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main focus of this postdoctoral position?
The position focuses on evaluating the economic benefits and co-benefits of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in remote European regions.
2. What is the GRACE Project?
GRACE is a four-year Horizon Europe-funded research programme investigating climate adaptation solutions and their broader social, economic, and environmental impacts.
3. Which academic backgrounds are eligible?
Applicants should hold a PhD in Environmental Economics, Economics, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
4. Is teaching required?
Yes. The successful candidate will contribute to Bachelor’s and Master’s teaching and supervise student research projects.
5. Is experience with EU projects necessary?
It is not mandatory, but experience in Horizon Europe or other EU-funded projects is considered an advantage.
6. What salary is offered?
The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538, depending on qualifications and experience.
7. Is knowledge of another European language required?
Yes. Candidates should have strong English skills and proficiency in at least one additional European language.
8. Can international applicants apply?
Yes. VU Amsterdam welcomes international candidates and promotes diversity and inclusion across its academic community.
9. What is the contract duration?
The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second year based on performance and project requirements.
10. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 30 June 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoc Position in Environmental Economics at VU Amsterdam offers an excellent opportunity to work on climate adaptation, ecosystem service valuation, and nature-based solutions within a major Horizon Europe research programme. Researchers interested in sustainability transitions, environmental economics, and climate resilience will find this position particularly rewarding and impactful.
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