Postdoctoral Researcher in Aquatic Ecology and Lake Monitoring at NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands (2026)
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) has announced a fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on long-term ecological research on Lake IJsselmeer, the largest freshwater reservoir in the Netherlands. The opportunity is hosted within the Department of Aquatic Ecology at NIOO-KNAW in Wageningen, Netherlands.
This interdisciplinary postdoctoral position is ideal for researchers interested in aquatic ecology, limnology, phytoplankton ecology, water quality, environmental monitoring, remote sensing, eDNA, cyanobacterial toxins, and ecosystem analysis.
The position is available for 0.8–1.0 FTE for one year.
About Lake IJsselmeer
Lake IJsselmeer is the largest freshwater lake and reservoir in the Netherlands and plays a major role in:
Drinking water supply
Flood protection
Fisheries
Ecosystem services
Climate resilience
Freshwater resource management
The long-term ecological research programme on Lake IJsselmeer currently focuses on:
Water chemistry
Phytoplankton dynamics
Ecological monitoring
Long-term environmental datasets
The project aims to improve understanding of lake ecosystem functioning while strengthening long-term environmental monitoring methodologies.
About the Research Position
The selected postdoctoral researcher will contribute additional scientific expertise to the long-term monitoring programme and help “add value” to the existing research infrastructure.
The position includes participation in:
Pilot research cruises
Environmental sampling
Data analysis
Methodological development
Scientific publishing
Ecological interpretation
The researcher will participate in a pilot research cruise on:
2 July 2026
on Lake IJsselmeer and analyze collected ecological and environmental data.
Research Areas and Methodologies
NIOO-KNAW is particularly interested in candidates bringing innovative ecological approaches and complementary methodologies.
Examples include:
1. Algal Pigment Analysis
Studying phytoplankton community composition and ecosystem productivity using pigment-based methods.
2. Phytoplankton Trait Analysis
Understanding ecological functioning and adaptive strategies of aquatic primary producers.
3. Benthic Ecology
Investigating sediment-associated ecological processes and aquatic biodiversity.
4. Remote Sensing
Applying satellite and geospatial approaches for lake monitoring and ecological assessment.
5. Cyanobacterial Toxin Analysis
Studying harmful algal blooms and associated ecological and health risks.
6. eDNA Analysis
Using environmental DNA techniques for biodiversity assessment and ecological monitoring.
7. Automated Zooplankton Analysis
Advanced imaging and automated ecological analysis of aquatic organisms.
8. Experimental Assays and Statistical Ecology
Developing analytical and experimental methods for ecological interpretation.
The institute welcomes applicants bringing novel ideas beyond these listed approaches.
Main Responsibilities
The selected postdoctoral researcher will:
Conduct ecological analyses within their area of expertise
Improve long-term sampling methodologies
Analyze and manage ecological datasets
Contribute to scientific publications
Present findings at conferences
Support long-term lake monitoring infrastructure
Promote the Lake IJsselmeer research programme through communication activities
The position combines ecological science, environmental monitoring, and methodological innovation.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should be aquatic scientists with expertise in one or more relevant ecological or environmental approaches.
Candidates should demonstrate:
Strong analytical and ecological research skills
Experience with environmental data handling
Data storage and quality control expertise
Scientific communication abilities
Team collaboration skills
Independent research capability
Strong written and spoken English communication skills are required.
Research Proposal Requirement
Applicants must submit a short proposal including:
1. Research Plan (0.5 page)
A brief proposal explaining:
Planned research approach
Scientific rationale
How the project improves understanding of Lake IJsselmeer
2. Track Record Summary (0.5 page)
A short summary demonstrating:
Relevant expertise
Research achievements
Capability to deliver the proposed work
This proposal plays a major role in the evaluation process.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional benefits include:
8% vacation allowance
8.3% year-end bonus
Pension scheme (ABP)
Internet allowance
Home-working allowance
Travel reimbursement
Extensive leave options
Employees may increase annual leave from:
29 days to 41 days
by working two additional hours weekly.
About NIOO-KNAW
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is the national ecological research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
NIOO conducts advanced ecological research in areas including:
Biodiversity
Climate change
Aquatic ecology
Ecosystem functioning
Sustainable water and land use
The Department of Aquatic Ecology hosts:
Five research groups
Research assistants
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
International collaborations
The institute provides a collaborative and highly supportive research environment.
Why This Position Is Valuable
This opportunity is particularly valuable because it combines:
Long-term ecological monitoring
Aquatic ecosystem research
Innovative environmental methodologies
Environmental data science
Applied ecological management
The project offers flexibility for researchers to introduce their own expertise and scientific creativity into an established ecological monitoring programme.
Researchers interested in:
Limnology
Freshwater ecology
Environmental monitoring
Water quality
Remote sensing
eDNA
Aquatic biodiversity
will find this position highly attractive.
Application Information
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One-page proposal
No separate cover letter is required.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Scientific value of the proposal
Candidate’s ability to deliver the proposed work
APPLY HERE: OFFICIAL JOB APPLICATION PORTAL
Important Dates
Pilot Research Cruise
2 July 2026
Interview Date
Monday, 22 June 2026
Location
Wageningen, Netherlands
Employment Fraction
0.8–1.0 FTE
Duration
1 Year
Contact Information
For scientific questions, applicants may contact:
Suzanne McGowan
Dedmer van de Waal
via the contact details provided in the official vacancy announcement.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoctoral Researcher position at NIOO-KNAW provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to one of the Netherlands’ most important long-term freshwater ecology programmes.
With strong flexibility for methodological innovation, advanced ecological monitoring, and interdisciplinary aquatic research, this role offers excellent career development opportunities for aquatic scientists interested in freshwater ecosystem dynamics and environmental change.
Researchers with expertise in aquatic ecology, environmental chemistry, phytoplankton studies, remote sensing, or ecological data science should strongly consider applying.
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