PhD position: “Microbial kinetics of ocean nanoplastic degradation (4 years)”

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) at NIOZ is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigat kinetics of microbial nanoplastic degradation in the ocean.

ROYAL NIOZ 

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national oceanographic institute. NIOZ conducts excellent fundamental, and frontier applied marine research. NIOZ includes the National Marine research Facilities (NMF) department that operates several research vessels and the national pool of large seagoing equipment. 

THE DEPARTEMENT 
The MMB Department investigates microbial communities across all marine environments, from estuaries to the deep ocean and from the geological past to the present. Through field and experimental studies combined with analytical, biochemical, and modern genomic techniques, the department examines the diversity, evolution, physiology, and activity of eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses in diverse marine settings.

The Vacancy

Are you a highly motivated PhD candidate eager to work in an interdisciplinary team on the fate of ocean nanoplastics? Do you have a background in biogeochemistry and mass spectrometry, and are you excited about joining sea-going expeditions? Apply now to become part of the NanoMare team.

As part of the ERC project NanoMare, the department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry is looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate. This position focuses specifically on the kinetics of microbially mediated nanoplastic degradation in the ocean. The aim is to unravel the fate and longevity of nanoplastics in contrasting ocean environments.

We are looking for a promising PhD candidate with a background in biogeochemistry or a related field. Hands-on experience with stable isotope probing techniques and mass spectrometry is highly desirable, as is a background or strong interest in molecular biology, microbiology, and oceanography. The candidate should be able to work independently, thrive in an interdisciplinary environment, be willing to participate in seagoing expeditions, and demonstrate strong scientific writing skills.

 THE PROJECT 
The NanoMare project investigates the sources, fate, and microbial degradation of nanoplastics (<1 µm) in the ocean. Recent advances by our team have enabled the detection and quantification of nanoplastics and demonstrated that marine microbes can degrade nanoplastics. Building on these breakthroughs, NanoMare will combine ocean-going expeditions with newly developed in situ and high-pressure incubation techniques to study nanoplastic inventories as well as microbe-nanopalstic interactions from coastal to open ocean settings and surface waters to the deep sea. Several postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates collaborate across disciplines to characterize degradation pathways, identify responsible microorganisms, and assess ecosystem impacts. The project aims to deliver fundamental insights into the global distribution, degradation kinetics, and ecological consequences of nanoplastics.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Curious, independent and highly motivated early career researcher with a MSc degree biogeochemistry

• Hands-on experience with stable isotope probing techniques and mass spectrometry is highly desirable

• Background or strong interest in molecular biology, microbiology, oceanography and statistical analysis is desireable

• Open to participating in sea-going expeditions

• Adequate skills in scientific writing

• Adequate social/verbal/communication skills

NIOZ is a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

CONDITIONS 

• Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I, for a total duration of 4 years. You start with an appointment for the duration of 1 year and, after a positive evaluation in the 9th month (Go-No go), you will be extended to the full period of 4 years.

• Salary compliant with scales for PhD candidate (OIOs) CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes).

• An appointment at NIOZ as a PhD candidate means working and learning simultaneously conform the NIOZ PhD policy.

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.

• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.

• We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.  

MORE INFORMATION 
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Helge Niemann. for information about the hiring procedure working@nioz.nl  

 Closing date for this vacancy is 16 November 2025