Postdoc Goose Impact

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher for research in the context of international adaptive management of geese. Did you analyse animal movement patterns during your PhD? Do you want to work with large files of goose transmitter data? Then read on!

What will you be doing?

The NIOO-KNAW is conducting research within a consortium that provides building blocks for the adaptive management of geese in an international setting. One of these building blocks is a model that can predict grazing by geese in space and time. To ensure that the model is a good reflection of the natural grazing behaviour of geese, the movements predicted by the model are compared with existing transmitter data of geese. As a postdoctoral researcher you will lead this part of the research. Your responsibilities include:

• Analysis of the distances that tagged geese use between roosting and feeding places and how these shift over the year;
• Analysis of tag data from geese in relation to the distance to horizontal and vertical structures in the landscape, such as roads and buildings, in accommodation and scaring zones;
• Analysis of the supply of arable fields and grassland and the time spent by geese there during the season, in order to quantify any preference of the geese;
• Determination of the maximum grass height above which goose grazing no longer occurs.

In this research you will work closely with the model developer in the consortium. The ultimate goal is to publish the results in international scientific journals.

What will you be contributing?

You have a PhD degree in movement ecology or a related field. You bring:

• Experience in analyzing tracking data;
• Skills in statistical analysis (with R) of large datasets;
• Motivation to work in applied research with policy makers;
• Ability to meet deadlines.

What are we offering?

We offer a postdoctoral position for 1-year when working full time (38 hours per week) or proportionally longer when working parttime in a scientific environment in Wageningen. You will be part of the Department of Animal Ecology, and the Waterfowl Ecology Group. 

Application procedure

To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, and names and contact information of maximally three referees. Deadline for applications is 1 September 2025. Interviews will be held on Friday 19 September.

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 €3.378 and the maximum salary is €5.331 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(external link).

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.