PostDoc position on biodiversity recovery as a function of collective action

The Ecology and Evolution section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is accepting applications for a PostDoc position with the aim to develop science-based knowledge for bending the curve of biodiversity loss and restoring the relationships between humanity and nature. The section Ecology and Evolution answers fundamental ecological and evolutionary questions regarding the relationship between organisms and their environment at the full array of hierarchical levels: from molecular ecology to ecosystem research.

This position is part of the CurveBend-project. Curvebend is a 7-year transdisciplinary research program starting on 1 May 2025. The program is funded as part of the National Science Agenda (NWA) by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The ongoing worldwide loss of biodiversity is one of the most pressing issues of current times. CurveBend is a transdisciplinary research project that aims to develop science-based knowledge for bending the curve of biodiversity loss and restoring the relationships between humanity and nature. The project will study, develop and support different forms of collective action at the landscape scale aimed at restoring biodiversity and promoting a nature-positive society. With a "hands-on" approach, we will compare three livestock-dominated regions on three continents: Dutch meadows, Argentine pampas, and East African savannas. We study the mismatches in the spatial needs of plants, animals and people for the various parts of landscapes. In co-creation with societal partners, we seek solutions to these mismatches. We develop and test new theories of change, explore the ways in which lessons can be translated to the wider societal environment and instigate change in governance and socio-economic systems. This should lead to innovative, practical solutions for biodiversity restoration at the landscape scale serving as inspiration worldwide.

In the Netherlands, livestock farming areas face a range of challenges including ecosystem degradation, climate change, and biodiversity decline, and novel ways to collaborate and to develop and implement solutions are explored. These collective actions play a key role in the transition of rural areas. In this project, you will 1) Develop a (spatially explicit) indicator framework that allows monitoring changes in biodiversity, livelihood and governance as a function of landscape composition and land use interventions with the aim to restore biodiversity, 2) Develop scenarios to most effectively enhance ecological integration and collective action to stimulate synergies and enlarge impact aimed at restoring biodiversity and promoting a nature-positive society, and 3) Develop the best strategies to most effectively share best practices to enlarge the potential to form lifescapes via collective action.

Your work will consist of coordination and integration of the collection and integration of landscape and biodiversity data from NL-PHD1 with the collective action characteristics (location, motivation, organisation, focus, ownership, type of membership, autonomy, etc.) from NL-PHD2 and NL-PHD3. Link biodiversity data to remote sensing (S2Rep) and public GIS data (as BRP-Gewaspercelen) on land use (calibrated to soil water tables, vegetation characteristics, species richness, management practices) within regions of collective action. Assess impacts of intrinsic motivations of collectives (i.e. aim, values and approach) and ownership (farmer-oriented (bottom-up), or governance-oriented (top-down)) and level of citizen involvement, on biodiversity. Survey cognitive, normative and relational learning among stakeholders. Developing pathways for change towards forms of collectives that include more stakeholders and focus on the scale of socio-economic-ecological lifescapes in close cooperation with stakeholders.

Your duties
As PostDoc you will work to support research in the CurveBend-project and teaching activities within the A-LIFE section Ecology and Evolution. The role will encompass a variety of tasks including:

• combine the multiple datasets on life scape features with remote sensing as an indicator framework
• co-design strategies to share best practices in ecological integration and collective actions that meet stakeholders needs
• co-create alternative transition pathways together with the collectives and key stakeholders
• publish research findings in scientific and professional journals
• participate in consortium meetings, workshops, conferences, and societal debate
• a small teaching assignment belongs to the task package

• a completed PhD degree in landscape ecology or related environmental science discipline, and a proven affinity with open ecosystems as temperate grasslands
• proven affinity with biodiversity research
• proven excellent technical skills in data science methods as database management, statistics, R, GIS and software version control systems as Github
• affinity with rural communities in the Netherlands
• a team player with a collaborative attitude, strong social skills and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team composed of research from different backgrounds such as ecology, anthropology and public administration, as well as ability to collaborate with stakeholders
• English language proficiency
• Dutch proficiency (or willingness to learn)

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging and fully funded postdoctoral fellowship with ample room for personal development in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 3.897,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists. Subject to a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended with 3 more years for a total project duration of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About the institute
The sub-department A-LIFE / Ecology & Evolution offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter (maximum one page) where you provide a motivation statement, a detailed qualification statement regarding the positions’ requirements before 15 February 2025.The job interviews are planned for mid-end February, when possible please take them into account when applying for the position.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.