Postdoc Position - Visualizing and Mapping Social and Environmental Disruptions in Forest and Coastal Communities at Wageningen University, Netherlands (2026)
Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands, is inviting applications for a fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position in Visualizing and Mapping Social and Environmental Disruptions in Forest and Coastal Communities. This interdisciplinary opportunity combines GIS, environmental science, geography, climate change research, social sciences, and community-based fieldwork to understand how climate-related disturbances affect both landscapes and local communities.
The position is jointly hosted by the Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group (FNP) and the Cultural Geography Group (GEO) within the Department of Environmental Sciences at Wageningen University.
Applications are open until 6 July 2026.
About the Research Project
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of environmental disturbances such as:
Floods
Droughts
Windstorms
Forest disturbances
Coastal environmental changes
While these events alter landscapes, they also affect the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of communities that depend on these environments.
This project seeks to investigate both the environmental and social dimensions of climate-induced disruptions through an innovative combination of:
GIS analysis
Geospatial mapping
Environmental monitoring
Ethnographic research
Multimedia storytelling
Community engagement
The project emphasizes understanding how marginalized and dependent communities experience and respond to environmental change.
Research Focus
The selected postdoctoral researcher will conduct an intersectional geospatial analysis examining climate-related environmental disruptions and their impacts on landscapes and communities.
The project will investigate:
Environmental Changes
Forest degradation
Flood impacts
Drought effects
Wind disturbance events
Landscape transformation over time
Social Impacts
Community vulnerability
Human-nature relationships
Social inequalities
Local adaptation strategies
Lived experiences of environmental change
The goal is to integrate environmental data with community perspectives to create a richer understanding of disrupted landscapes.
Project Locations
Current project sites include:
Poland
Research focused on climate-related disturbances in forested landscapes and associated communities.
United States
Environmental and social analyses of disrupted landscapes affected by climate change.
The successful candidate will work with supervisors to select and refine two case-study sites. Additional locations may be proposed if scientifically justified.
Although forested landscapes are a primary focus, other climate-sensitive environments may also be considered.
Research Methods
The project combines quantitative and qualitative approaches.
GIS and Geospatial Analysis
Researchers will use GIS as the central analytical platform to examine:
Environmental changes over time
Spatial patterns of disturbance
Community-environment interactions
Qualitative Research
The project includes:
Interviews
Community engagement
Ethnographic fieldwork
Participatory approaches
Multimedia Data Collection
Researchers will gather:
Visual materials
Audio recordings
Community narratives
These materials will contribute to innovative communication products such as:
Interactive maps
ESRI StoryMaps
Multimedia visualizations
The integration of environmental and social data is a defining feature of this project.
Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
Design and Lead Research
Develop and conduct interdisciplinary research on climate-disrupted landscapes.
Select Project Sites
Work with supervisors to identify two suitable case-study locations.
Conduct Fieldwork
Collect environmental and social data through field research and community engagement.
Develop Maps and StoryMaps
Produce innovative spatial visualizations and interactive products.
Publish Scientific Research
Prepare at least:
Two scientific publications
based on project findings.
Participate in Academic Activities
Actively engage with both FNP and GEO research groups and contribute to the broader academic community.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should have:
Essential Qualifications
PhD in:
Geography
Geosciences
GIS
Anthropology
Environmental Science
Landscape Planning
Archaeology
Or a closely related discipline
Required Skills
Strong GIS expertise
Experience with interdisciplinary research
Knowledge of qualitative social science methods
Interviewing and community engagement skills
English language proficiency (C1 level)
Personal Qualities
Creative and innovative thinking
Ability to work in international environments
Interest in human-nature relationships
Strong collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
Additional advantages include:
Knowledge of a second language
Experience in international projects
Experience in interdisciplinary climate research
Familiarity with multimedia methods
Community-based research experience
Research Environment
The researcher will work closely with:
Dr. Jennifer Veilleux
Cultural Geography Group (GEO)
Dr. Agata Konczal
Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group (FNP)
The project provides opportunities for:
Mentorship
Workshops
Professional training
International collaboration
Academic networking
The successful candidate will participate actively in both research groups.
Salary and Benefits
Wageningen University offers an attractive employment package.
Salary
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Benefits
8.3% year-end bonus
Excellent pension scheme
Travel reimbursement
Flexible working arrangements
Sabbatical opportunities
Study leave
Partially paid parental leave
Access to sports facilities
The position follows the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU).
Contract Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Duration: 24 months (2 years)
- Location: Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
- Department: Environmental Sciences
- Working Environment: On-site at Wageningen University with international collaboration and fieldwork opportunities.
International Researchers Welcome
Wageningen University is one of the world's leading institutions in environmental and life sciences and hosts a large international community.
Support for international researchers includes:
Visa assistance
Relocation support
Housing guidance
Dutch banking support
Schooling assistance
Dual-career support
Eligible international employees may also benefit from the Dutch 30% tax ruling.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research-Focused Cover Letter
The letter should explain:
How your expertise contributes to the project
Your experience with GIS and interdisciplinary research
Your vision for climate-related landscape research
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University recruitment portal.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Official Application Link
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 July 2026
- Internal Candidate Priority Deadline: 15 June 2026
- Contract Duration: 24 Months
- Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
Why This Position Is Unique
This opportunity is particularly attractive because it integrates:
GIS and spatial analysis
Climate change research
Human geography
Environmental science
Social justice perspectives
Community-based research
StoryMap and multimedia communication
Researchers interested in understanding how environmental change affects both ecosystems and people will find this position highly rewarding.
The combination of advanced geospatial methods and qualitative social research offers a rare opportunity to work across disciplinary boundaries while producing research with real-world societal relevance.
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