PhD NWA -SPARKLES - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

For the NWA project SPARKLES, we are looking for an enthusiastic Phd Candidate. The project aims to bridge the gap between the technological societal and environmental science domains in the context of floating solar, with the aim of nature-inclusive upscaling of this emerging technology. The emerging FPV field is rife with uncertainties and unknowns in terms of optimal design, environmental and societal impacts. Nonetheless, the potential of FPV on inland waters is huge. Floating solar panels on inland waters are embedded in a landcape with potential impacts both for aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems.The PhD candidate will generate knowledge on the impact of floating solar on the ecology of land and waterscapes, through a.o. deployment of a range of smart participatory science approaches (e.g. citizen observations, cheap sensor deployment) together with local water users, water owners, companies and governments. In addition, the Phd candidate is expected to translate the observed ecological impacts to consequences for human uses of water and surrounding land.

We are looking for applicants with a background in landscape ecology or limnology. Applicants should hold a Msc degree. Applicants are expected to have a strong affinity for transdisciplinary science, and experience in participatory science is desirable. As interaction with dutch stakeholders is a core element, a basic command of the dutch language (B2) or a commitment to learn dutch within the first year of employment is required. Furthermore, the Phd candidate will be tasked with combining and organizing different data on floating solar, it's functioning and environmental impacts, making an affinity and proven expertise in data organizing and handling a key skill. Applicants should be teamplayers, who enjoy working within a large consortium of varying backgrounds.

What are we offering?

We offer an interesting fulltime PhD position for 4 years (1.0 FTE), with ample opportunities to expand your network across different scientific domains and with non-science partners. We offer a stimulating research environment that strives to employ team-science approaches in their research and allow members to benefit from each other’s strengths.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 2.901,- and the maximum salary is € 3.707,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO performs leading ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water, stimulates ecological research of the Netherlands and shares its ecological knowledge with society. Based on our core values, NIOO strives to be a collaborative, inclusive, innovative, impactful, and responsible organization.

You will be appointed at the Department of Acquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen. For detailed information on the Acquatic Ecology Department, please visit our website: Aquatic Ecology | Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).

For the application, please provide a curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing motivation and experience. The deadline for applications is 23 of March 2025. Jobinterviews are scheduled on 4 April 2025.