Naturalis is looking for a
PhD student to study the macroecology of palms.
As a PhD student
- You will find yourself in a unique research environment, inspired by passionate scientists from a wide range of disciplines (e.g., taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and geology).
- You will receive dedicated supervision from an experienced researcher and work closely with several international experts and collaborators with whom you’ll regularly exchange ideas about your research. This will help you to develop a strong academic profile.
- You will build valuable connections by participating in both the academic and social activities of our PhD community.
This is what you'll be doing
You’ll be part of a research team that studies the botanical consequences of the Late Quaternary megafauna extinctions on plants with large fruits (‘megafruits’). These plants have lost their primary seed dispersers in many parts of the world, but it is unclear how they have been able to persist: how are their seeds dispersed today, and are they facing extinction themselves?
You will be responsible for the macroecological part of the project. You will develop specific research questions and hypotheses, and build a large trait database for all ca. 220 species of megafruit palms by extracting data from herbaria, literature, and the field. You will use cutting-edge statistical methods to identify the drivers of range size variation in megafruit palms, specifically focusing on the role of vertebrate seed dispersers and humans. You will write and publish your findings as scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and regularly present results at national and international conferences. If successful, you will obtain your PhD degree from Leiden University.
Here's what we have to offer
- A gross monthly starting salary of € 3,463.00 for a full-time contract (36 hours). The starting date is preferably September 1st, 2025.
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End-of-year bonus of 3.4% of your gross annual salary and 8% holiday pay.
- 27 days of leave per year with full-time employment. Plus 1 extra day that you can use for a holiday that is important to you.
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Travel allowance. Are you travelling by public transport, bicycle or on foot? Then you get €0.21 per kilometer. For commuting by car you get €0.125 per kilometer.
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Pension scheme via PFZW, where Naturalis pays 60% of your premium.
- Plenty of development opportunities. We support your growth and give you unlimited access to the online training platform Goodhabitz.
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Fascinating knowledge events. These help you stay up to date on the latest developments in both your own field and outside it, such as our lectures and gatherings on various (scientific) topics. You can also attend – or take part in – the fascinating internal information session Naturalis Draait Door.
- Nice extras such as discounts on software and hardware for private use, collective health insurance plans, and a bicycle scheme. You’ll also enjoy discounts in our museum restaurant and unlimited free access to our award-winning museum for you and your family.
- Fun team outings. We also get together for drinks every month, organise an annual BBQ and a fantastic New Year's party. Not your scene? That's fine too, of course. All team activities are voluntary.
A unique work environment in a
state-of-the-art building where you will feel proud to work every single day – we guarantee it!
The world lies at your feet! Literally. Whatever your role may be, you contribute to the preservation of our planet on a daily basis.
Naturalis Biodiversity Center....
- is the national research and knowledge institute and a key player in biodiversity data and infrastructures.
- houses one of the largest natural history collections in the world.
- welcomes 500,000 museum visitors per year.
- collaborates with universities, expertise centres, and museums around the world.
- has a staff of diverse colleagues in various functions and with many different nationalities, with whom you will work together in an informal atmosphere.
This is your team
Within your research group
Biodiversity Hotspots, you will work closely with
Dr. Renske Onstein. You will also be part of our PhD community — a close-knit group of around 50 PhD candidates and postdocs with whom you can share experiences and participate in training sessions, workshops, and peer review meetings. You'll often meet in the PhD room, a dedicated space for regular interaction. And of course, for those interested, there are plenty of social activities outside of work as well.
What you bring at the table
You are capable of working independently while also proactively seeking collaboration — whether with your supervisor, fellow researchers, or external partners. You are confident in asking critical questions to further your research and you identify opportunities, effectively engaging others with your ideas.
You are also eager to disseminate your research findings, whether through public lectures or publications. You excel at translating complex topics into engaging and accessible narratives, reaching not only the scientific community but also businesses and the general public.
In addition, you possess:
- A completed Master’s degree in Life Sciences, such as Biology, with a focus on Ecology.
- Experience working with macroecological data and methods, and with a strong statistical background. Experience with tropical fieldwork, and knowledge on seed dispersal and plants, are an advantage.
- Strong proficiency in English.
Become our new PhD Student
Upload your CV and motivation letter via the application button no later than
June 2nd, 2025. Interviews (online) will (probably) be held on the 17th June, so keep this date available.
Want to know more about the position before you apply? Contact Dr. Renske Onstein via email at
renske.onstein@naturalis.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, you can send an email to our colleagues in the HR department via
sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.