PhD Student Thirsty Cities

Pursuing a PhD at Naturalis in Leiden (the Netherlands) means working on research with a truly global impact — contributing directly to biodiversity. And you'll be well supported every step of the way. With 3,200 m² of state-of-the-art lab facilities, housed in a museum with more than 40 million natural history objects, dedicated mentorship, and access to our broad international network, this position offers everything you need to thrive as a scientist.

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
Recurring droughts are putting increasing pressure on the Dutch built environment, with financial, ecological, and social consequences. Climate change and urban development are expected to worsen these effects. Although municipalities acknowledge drought as a serious risk, many lack the tools and knowledge to effectively respond — particularly when it comes to understanding the role of soil biodiversity, urban green, and the urban water balance.

To help fill this gap, Naturalis is offering a PhD position within the Thirsty Cities project which aims to provide an action perspective for a climate-proof, drought-resilient, and water-sensitive built environment. This transdisciplinary project will develop and integrate knowledge, tools, and practical solutions for more resilient cities. As a PhD candidate, you will focus on the role of soil biodiversity in shaping urban drought resilience. Want to contribute to research on biodiversity with direct societal relevance? Learn more about the project here: Thirsty Cities. If successful, you will obtain your PhD degree from the University of Amsterdam.

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 October 1st 2025
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Understanding Evolution, you will work closely with Prof. Dr. Vincent Merckx and Dr. Leon Marshall. 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 to 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 a relevant field, such as biodiversity, ecology, soil biology.
• a strong interest in plant and microbial biology, species interactions, and biodiversity modelling.
• Experience working with research on microbial communities and/or biodiversity modelling.
• Strong proficiency in English.

Become our new PhD Student

• Upload your CV and motivation letter, including the contact details of two referees in one PDF via the application button no later than 27 August 2025 CEST.
• Want to know more about the position before you apply? Contact Prof. Dr. Vincent Merckx via email to vincent.merckx@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.