Postdoctoral Researcher in Citizen Science and Ecology at NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands (2026)
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore the value of citizen science in ecological research and environmental monitoring. This unique opportunity combines ecology, biodiversity monitoring, science communication, environmental data management, and public engagement.
The position is based in Wageningen, Netherlands, and aims to strengthen the integration of citizen science across the institute's research departments while developing a long-term vision for a dedicated citizen science hub.
Applications are open until 19 June 2026.
About the Position
Citizen science has become an increasingly important tool for biodiversity monitoring, environmental data collection, and public engagement in science. NIOO-KNAW has a long history of successful citizen science initiatives, including:
Bird ringing programmes through the Dutch Bird Migration Centre (Vogeltrekstation)
Volunteer-based monitoring of small freshwater systems
National soil biodiversity monitoring activities
Community-driven ecological observations
This postdoctoral project seeks to evaluate how citizen-generated data can be effectively integrated into ecological research, environmental policy, and decision-making.
The successful candidate will help shape a long-term strategy for embedding citizen science across NIOO-KNAW's research programmes.
Research Objectives
The main goal of the project is to establish a stronger institutional framework for citizen science within NIOO-KNAW.
Key objectives include:
1. Developing a Citizen Science Hub
The researcher will contribute to creating a cross-departmental citizen science platform that supports collaboration among researchers, volunteers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
2. Evaluating Data Reliability
A major focus will be assessing the:
Reliability of citizen science data
Trustworthiness of volunteer observations
Validation methods for environmental datasets
This work will help improve confidence in citizen-generated biodiversity and environmental monitoring data.
3. Supporting Environmental Decision-Making
The project will investigate how citizen science data can be integrated into:
Ecological research
Biodiversity assessments
Environmental management
Policy development
The outcomes will contribute to evidence-based environmental decision-making.
Research Environment
The selected researcher will work across multiple departments within NIOO-KNAW and collaborate with:
Ecologists
Environmental scientists
Data specialists
Science communication experts
Citizen science practitioners
The position includes support from an interdisciplinary advisory team consisting of both scientific researchers and communication professionals.
Although formally based in the Department of Aquatic Ecology, the role spans the entire institute.
Candidate Profile
NIOO-KNAW is looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with:
Essential Qualifications
PhD in:
Ecology
Environmental Science
Biology
Or a closely related discipline
Required Experience
Citizen science projects
Environmental monitoring
Biodiversity data collection
Community-based research
Environmental databases and data management
Desired Skills
Stakeholder engagement
Science communication
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Strategic thinking
Project coordination
Strong written and spoken English skills are required.
Knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
Develop a vision for citizen science integration within NIOO-KNAW
Evaluate citizen science methodologies and datasets
Facilitate collaboration across research departments
Strengthen links between science and society
Contribute to biodiversity monitoring initiatives
Support communication and outreach activities
Promote the use of citizen science in environmental research
The role combines research, strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and science communication.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional benefits include:
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Travel allowance
Internet allowance
Home-working allowance
Pension scheme (ABP)
Leave Benefits
Employees can increase annual leave from:
29 days to 41 days
by working two additional hours per week.
NIOO-KNAW also offers professional development opportunities and a supportive international working environment.
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).
The institute conducts internationally recognized research in:
Biodiversity
Ecology
Climate change
Sustainable land use
Sustainable water use
NIOO-KNAW actively promotes ecological knowledge exchange between science and society and is committed to addressing global environmental challenges.
The institute hosts researchers from approximately 30 nationalities and offers a highly collaborative research culture.
Why This Opportunity Is Unique
This position stands out because it combines:
Ecology
Citizen science
Biodiversity monitoring
Environmental policy
Science communication
Public engagement
Unlike many traditional ecological postdoctoral positions, this role focuses on the intersection between scientific research and societal participation.
Researchers interested in:
Citizen science
Community-based monitoring
Biodiversity conservation
Environmental governance
Science-policy interfaces
will find this opportunity particularly attractive.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover letter
The cover letter should explain:
How the applicant's experience can contribute to cross-departmental citizen science integration
Relevant achievements and expertise
Ideas for strengthening citizen science within NIOO-KNAW
Important Information
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Citizen Science and Ecology
- Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
- Institution: Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
- Contract Duration : 12 months
- Working Hours : Up to 38 hours per week
- Application Deadline : 19 June 2026
Official Application Link
Contact Information
For further information, applicants may contact:
Dr. Lisette de Senerpont Domis (Aquatic Ecology)
Dr. Henk van der Jeugd (Animal Ecology)
Froukje Rienks (Science Communication)
Final Thoughts
The Postdoctoral Researcher position on Citizen Science and Ecology at NIOO-KNAW offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of citizen science within one of Europe’s leading ecological research institutes.
By combining ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, environmental data analysis, and public engagement, the role provides an excellent platform for researchers who want to strengthen connections between science and society while contributing to evidence-based environmental management.
Researchers passionate about ecology, citizen science, biodiversity monitoring, and stakeholder engagement should strongly consider applying.
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