Postdoc: Effects of urbanisation on plant distributions

What you will be doing

For a KNAW funded project we are looking for a postdoc to execute a pilot project on the use of historical plant distribution data to investigate effects of urbanization on plant species. Based on available plant occurrence records that go back for almost two centuries, what trends in species distributions can we detect in relation to urbanisation? This pilot study will be executed in collaboration with Stichting FLORON and the KNAW Meertens Institute, and is part of a project that includes analysis of Flora Batava records, which contain some of the oldest plant distribution data in the Netherlands.

Based on an assessment of available data, the postdoc will help determine the geographic and taxonomic scope of the analysis, develop approaches to link plant distribution data to (historic) urbanisation data, perform data analyses and visualisations to reveal historic trends in species distributions in relation to urban environments, and lead the preparation of a scientific publication. 

What you will be contributing

We are looking for motivated applicants with a PhD in plant ecology or other related field, strong data handling and analysis skills, proficiency in R (or comparable programming language) and a curious mindset. Experience in analysing spatial data is a plus, and a good command of English (written and spoken) is required. Applicants should be team players, who enjoy interacting with diverse collaborators in the project.

What we are offering

We offer a 6-month postdoc position (at 1.0 FTE, with possibility to work part-time) in a stimulating research environment, with ample opportunities to expand your network and to collaborate with colleagues from different institutes and organisations.

Your workplace

You will be appointed at the Department of Terrestrial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. From your position at NIOO-KNAW, you will interact in the project with colleagues at FLORON, Meertens Institute and the Vrije University Amsterdam.

More information

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Koen Verhoeven.

Application procedure

For the application, please provide a curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing motivation and experience. The deadline for applications is 26 September, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is found. 

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.