Freshwater ecosystems provide vital resources for humans, such as drinking water, water for irrigation and hydropower. At the same time, freshwater ecosystems are affected by a variety of pressures resulting from human activities, including water abstraction and diversion, pollution and climate change. These pressures affect freshwater biodiversity and may ultimately have repercussions also for human health, either directly (e.g. through consumption of polluted water) or indirectly (i.e. mediated by changes in freshwater biodiversity). In this PhD project we aim to understand and quantify human impacts on freshwater ecosystems as well as feedbacks to human health. 
We will cover a selection of pathways from human pressures (for example, climate change, land use, emissions of pollutants) to changes in fresh water quantity and quality, freshwater habitats, biodiversity and human health effects. The project should result in quantitative, generalisable relationships that can be integrated into global hydrological and freshwater biodiversity models. As this is a joint research project between Radboud University and Deltares, you will work at both these institutes.

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You hold an MSc degree in ecology, environmental science or a relevant related field.
• You have a strong quantitative background in statistical and/or process-based ecological modelling.
• You have experience with managing and analysing large (spatial) datasets.
• You are a proficient programmer, preferably in R or Python.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English.

Fixed-term contract: your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended to 4 years.

• Employment: 40 hours per week.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,325 per month, and will increase to €2,972 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended to 4 years.
• The intended start date is 1 June 2020.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

This PhD project is a collaboration between the Environmental Science group at Radboud University and Deltares.

The Environmental Science group at Radboud University aims to quantify, understand and predict human impacts on the environment. To that end, we employ a variety of research methods, including process-based modelling, meta-analyses, field studies and lab work. In our research, we cover multiple stressors, species and spatial scales, searching for overarching principles that can ultimately be applied to better underpin environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Deltares is an independent applied research institute in the field of water and subsurface. Our main focus is on developing solutions and innovations for people and nature in deltas, coastal regions and river basins worldwide. We collaborate closely with governments, businesses, universities and other research institutes both in the Netherlands and abroad. We are based in Delft and Utrecht and employ over 800 people in total.