Vacancy
Post-doc Nature-based transitions in Dutch sand-soil landscapes
Your job
Would you like to contribute to a resilient and sustainable future for the sandy-soil landscapes of the Netherlands? Do you like synthesizing knowledge of a research team, and connecting it to Dutch stakeholders to create impact? Then this postdoc position is the perfect fit for you!
Recent extreme weather events have clearly shown that intensive agricultural use, drainage-focused water management, and groundwater extraction endangers present and future agricultural production and environmental quality in the sandy-soil landscapes of the Netherlands. Hence, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift to secure future socio-ecological and socio-economic functioning of these landscapes. We envisage that a radical (re-) alignment of land-use to soil suitability and water availability is essential to regenerate resilient landscapes.
In this 3-year fully funded post-doc position in the ‘Nature-based approaches for climate-robust, sustainable and productive sandy-soil landscapes’ (NAT) project you will be responsible for integrating results of other work packages within the project, taking into account the outcomes of other research projects on similar themes. Together with stakeholders, you will co-design a shared vision on a desirable and sustainable future for Dutch sandy-soil landscapes. Building on this vision, you will develop climate resilient development pathways through a collaborative process for selected locations. You will play a key role in identifying which measures should be taken where and when to increase climate resilience. Finally, you will investigate how to upscale this approach to the entire sandy-soils region of the Netherlands.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
- Writing scientific papers, integrating research from biophysical, socio-environmental and socio-economic-legal perspectives.
- Co-developing climate-resilient development pathways with researchers and stakeholders.
- Leading the Community of Practice with stakeholders in the Dutch sandy soils landscape.
- Communicating about the project with stakeholders and the general audience through e.g. social media.
You will be supervised by project leader Prof. dr Jakob Wallinga, and closely work with a team of researchers from the NAT project (3 PhDs, researchers (applied) universities) and associated CASTOR project (2 post-docs, 5 PhDs and their supervisors). Both projects are coordinated from Wageningen University, but researchers are also based at other institutes and many stakeholders are involved (e.g. water authorities, provinces, ministry, SME).
Your qualities
You are a pro-active researcher who enjoys transdisciplinary research and aims for both scientific and societal impact. You have a strong drive to build the knowledge base that enables a transformative future for the Dutch sandy soil landscapes (and beyond).
You also possess:
- A (near) completed PhD in Earth or Environmental Science, Ecology or similar field.
- A convincing publication record for your stage of career.
- Proven affinity with transdisciplinary research.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, both in Dutch and English.
You will work here
Your post-doc research will be embedded within the Soil Geography and Landscape group of Wageningen University. The position is part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) grant ‘NAT: Nature-based approaches for climate-robust, sustainable and productive sandy-soil landscapes’ carried out in collaboration with several academic institutions and other stakeholders in the Netherlands.
We offer you
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Do you want more information?
For more information about the position, please contact Jakob Wallinga, personal professor at the Soil Geography and Landscape group, via 0317 484040 or email: jakob.wallinga@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via noorien.abbas@wur.nl
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply until Monday May 5th 2025. The first interviews are scheduled for Wednesday May 14th 2025. The intended starting date of the position is 1st August 2025.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.