Postdoc position:toral Vacancy: “BLUESHORES - Field implementation and evaluation of hybrid blue-green structures in European estuaries”

The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS) at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) in Yerseke is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to join the EU Horizon project BLUESHORES. This international, multidisciplinary project aims to design, implement, and evaluate Hybrid Blue-Green Infrastructure (HBGI) solutions that combine the benefits of natural ecosystems with the protective functions of engineered coastal defenses.

The postdoc will take the lead in field implementation and performance evaluation of HBGI interventions across three diverse European estuaries: the Venice Lagoon (Italy), the Eastern Scheldt (Netherlands), and Cork Harbour (Ireland).

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, NIOZ-Yerseke) seeks to understand how interactions between organisms, hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, and chemistry shape estuarine and delta environments in the face of climate change and human interventions. We link fundamental science to societal needs, with a focus on ecosystem restoration, nature-based flood protection, and climate adaptation. Our work bridges ecology, geomorphology, engineering, and social sciences to develop sustainable solutions for coastal resilience.

The BLUESHORES Project and Work Package 2 (WP2)

BLUESHORES will develop and test modular, hybrid eco-engineering elements—including wood fascines, oyster-based reefs, and biodegradable BESE® elements—to stabilize shorelines, reduce wave energy, restore habitats, and improve biodiversity.

As lead institute for WP2: Field implementation and performance evaluation, NIOZ will coordinate:

·         Design and deployment of HBGI interventions at three European sites;

·         Monitoring of physical, ecological, and social performance compared to traditional grey infrastructure;

·         Iterative design optimization in collaboration with modelling (WP3) and societal uptake (WP5) partners;

·         Development of standardized indicators for evaluating technical, ecological, and societal outcomes.

This WP involves close collaboration with project partners across Europe, local stakeholders, and governmental agencies.

THE POSITION

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:

·         Coordinating field deployments of HBGI structures in collaboration with local partners;

·         Leading baseline (Before) and follow-up (After) monitoring campaigns using:

o   Wave and sediment sensors,

o   LIDAR and acoustic mapping,

o   Biodiversity and habitat assessments,

o   Stakeholder and public perception surveys;

·         Analyzing and synthesizing data to evaluate wave attenuation, erosion control, habitat restoration, and societal appreciation;

·         Publishing scientific results and contributing to the design guidelines and decision-support tools for future HBGI implementations.

The position offers opportunities to collaborate with international experts in eco-engineering, hydrodynamics, ecology, and socioeconomics and to contribute to cutting-edge research on nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.

THE CANDIDATE

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A PhD in ecology, environmental engineering, physical geography, or a related field;

• Strong experience in field-based environmental research, ideally in coastal or estuarine systems;

• Skills in environmental sensor deployment, data analysis, and spatial mapping;

• Interest in nature-based solutions and working across disciplines;

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with international partners, stakeholders, and local communities;

• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

• Experience with BACI designs, wave and sediment dynamics, or ecological monitoring will be considered an advantage.

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 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.

More information

For additional information about the vacancy, please contact Dr. Jim van Belzen. For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl

Closing date for this vacancy is 26 September 2025