Postdoctoral researcher: Long-term ecological research on Lake IJsselmeer - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

What you will do

Lake IJsselmeer is the largest reservoir of the Netherlands, providing important ecosystem services such as drinking water, fishing habitat, and flood risk protection. You will support a long-term ecological research programme on Lake IJsselmeer which is currently focused on water chemistry and phytoplankton. You will provide additional expertise to “add value” to the project. You will join a one-day pilot research cruise on the lake on 2 July 2026 and analyse the findings. Conduct and interpret analyses within your area of expertise that increase understanding of the functioning of Lake IJsselmeer and / or improve the methodologies and data pipelines for long-term sampling and analysis on Lake IJsselmeer. You prepare scientific publications and give conference presentations. This initiative is important to the strategic development of the Aquatic Ecology Department and you will be tasked with raising the profile of the Lake IJsselmeer project through a variety of commmuication channels.

What you bring

We seek an aquatic scientist who bring one or more novel, complementary and/or interesting approaches or methodologies. For getting a better understanding of your profile we ask you to write a short proposal with your research plan. Examples of approaches that would add value to the long-term programme include (but are not limited to) algal pigment analysis, phytoplankton trait analyses, benthic studies, remote sensing, cyanobacterial toxin analyses, eDNA analyses, (automated) zooplankton analysis, experimental assays, statistical expertise. You are experienced with data handling, storage, and with quality control of datasets. You can communicate well in written and spoken English. You enjoy collaborating with a team while staying proactive and independent, always knowing when to seek support to achieve the best results.

What we offer

We offer an attractive position for 0,8 - 1,0 FTE for one year within the Department of Aquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. The department has five research groups supported by research assistants and hosts numerous students, PhDs and postdocs. By contributing to the long-term research programme on IJsselmeer, you will play an important role in advancing the strategic goals of the Aquatic Ecology Department while further developing your own expertise, professional network, and research profile. Besides that NIOO offers various training opportunities and a collegial atmosphere.

Want to know more?

Contact: Suzanne McGowan, s.mcgowan@nioo.knaw.nl- or Dedmer van de Waal, d.vandewaal@nioo.knaw.nl

How to apply

Please send a CV and a one-page proposal which includes (1) a research plan and justification of how the work improves knowledge on the function of Lake IJsselmeer (0.5 page), and (2) candidate’s track record summary to demonstrate the capability to deliver on the work (0.5 page). We will select the candidate based on (1) potential for their proposal to improve knowledge on the functioning of Lake IJsselmeer and (2) capability of the candidate to deliver on the proposed work. No cover letter is needed for this application.

Interviews will be conducted on Monday 22 June.

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 € 3.546 and the maximum salary is € 5.538 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.