What you will be doing
Within the Soils for Europe project (EU-SOLO https://soils4europe.eu/), you will be responsible for the synthesis of work produced by thematic users groups and from published data on research needs with respect to soil health in Europe. In particular, your synthesis will bridge research needs and conceptual advancements between life sciences and social-economic sciences with respect to transition towards sustainable use of soils. In addition, you will apply transition-oriented perspectives to explore how scientific knowledge, policy, innovation and societal practices can contribute to transformative change in European soil management. This work will contribute to developing an overarching roadmap that will help the European Commissions’ Soil Mission to structure a new vision and policy agenda for the future of soil research, innovation, and regulation in the EU. In order to achieve this goal, you will coordinate online and in-person sessions with project members from the synthesis work package and other work packages, and contribute to (online) workshops with practitioners and other stakeholders. These workshops in combination with literature studies and cross-thematic synthesis, will identify potential conflicts and opportunities across the different EU-Soil Mission Objectives and regions with respect to the development of new knowledge. This work will be at the interface between natural and social sciences, society, and setting of policy agendas.
What you will be contributing
You have completed a PhD in natural or social sciences or an interdisciplinary field relevant to sustainability transformations, with knowledge of, or demonstrated experience with soil ecology, soils, or land management. You have demonstrated interest in integrating and synthesizing scientific and users’ information in order to inform research policy. You are comfortable working with complex systems, identifying connections across thematic areas, and analysing synergies, trade-offs and potential pathways for change. You are fluent in English, both in speaking and writing. Experience in European research projects or in working across different European research and policy contexts would be an advantage.
What do we offer?
We offer a 10 months Postdoc position (1.0 fte) in the NIOO-department of Terrestrial Ecology among highly motivated and enthusiastic colleagues with strong multi-national background. You will get guidance from senior, mid, and early career researchers. NIOO works on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water and there are regular meetings and seminars on these themes. You can become a member of the graduate school PE&RC ( https://www.pe-rc.nl/) through which you can follow courses on ecological subjects, research methods, statistical analyses, and transferrable skills. Besides that, NIOO-KNAW offers various training opportunities to broaden your skill set during employment. Within the EU-SOLO project you will interact with researchers, users, and stakeholders, and actively contribute to the project meetings and workshops.
More information
Please contact:
Justine Lejoly, j.lejoly@nioo.knaw.nl
Wim van der Putten, w.vanderputten@nioo.knaw.nl
Information about the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) can be found at the website: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl
Application procedure
For the application, please include a cover letter summarizing motivation and experience, a CV, and two professional referees (name, address, telephone, and email). Deadline for application is October 26, 2026. Applications received later than this date will not be considered. Interviews will be held in person or online, depending on the location of the candidate, and will be scheduled on November 5, 2026. If deemed necessary, a second round of interviews will be scheduled on November 10, 2026.
About NIOO
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.
Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.706 and the maximum salary is € 5.760 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.
Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.
Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.
We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.