Postdoc position: Understanding large scale spatiotemporal distributions of macrozoobenthos in the Dutch Wadden Sea

The department of Coastal Systems (COS) is looking for a highly motivated Postdoc. We offer a postdoctoral position of 3 years on studying the spatiotemporal variation in macrozoobenthos in the group of Dr. Allert Bijleveld. This project is part of ongoing research on understanding trends and spatial distributions of benthic communities in the Dutch Wadden Sea.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of COS integrates state-of-the art laboratory, field and numerical modelling studies in frontier explorations of the drivers of the dynamics of marine habitats and food webs. COS examines how physical, chemical and biological processes interact to determine the distribution, composition and productivity of marine species - from primary producers to top predators - and marine habitats - from the coast to inter/sub-tidal and pelagic environments. Research is applied at both the regional and global scales.

THE PROJECT

The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to a variety of species. Macrozoobenthos are the largest secondary producers in the food web and in turn a major food source for birds, fish and invertebrates. At NIOZ, we have a long tradition for studying the macrozoobenthos community of the Dutch Wadden Sea.

SIBES is a long-term NIOZ monitoring program of the distribution of macrozoobenthic invertebrates sampled across 1200 km2 of intertidal mudflats. With approximately 4,100 stations sampled annually for more 19 years, SIBES is the largest and most extensive monitoring program for macrozoobenthos worldwide. The program has compiled a large and comprehensive dataset that is now available for state-of-the-art analyses on the spatiotemporal variation in the biomass and abundance of single species as well as communities.

The general aim of this postdoc project is to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of macrozoobenthos in their dynamic intertidal habitat. The specific goals of the 3-yr position are open for discussion and also depends on the interests and expertise of the successful candidate.

THE CANDIDATE

You hold a PhD degree, or you aim to submit your PhD thesis for assessment by the end of winter 2027. You have a background in ecology and macrozoobenthos, and you have experience with handling large data sets and analysing spatiotemporal distributions. As you will have large amounts of spatiotemporal data at your disposal, strong statistical, analytical, and computational skills are critical. You also have good collaborative skills and a proven ability to publish and present at a high international level.

The position is expected to start in early 2027. In your cover letter, you are encouraged to briefly describe:

• Your research background and interests.

• Your experience with macrozoobenthos and spatiotemporal data analysis.

• One to three research questions you would like to explore using the SIBES data, along with possible approaches to address them.

CONDITIONS

• Employment of this position for 40 hours a week at Royal NIOZ  NWO-I for a duration of 3 years.

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI  (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10 or 11 depending on relevant experience.

• The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.

• 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.

For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Allert Bijleveld. For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl