Postdoc ecosystem services and livelihoods Leiden University College (LUC)

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs - Leiden University College in Leiden University seeks a:

Postdoctoral Researcher on interdependencies between biodiversity, socioeconomic development, and human well-being

(1.0 FTE, 24 months)

The position will contribute to the transdisciplinary project on Peace and Conservation of Ecology at Disputed Seas (PaCE)

What you will do

• Key responsibilities
  
  • Peace and Conservation of Ecology at Disputed Seas (PaCE) is a new transdisciplinary project that aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of peacebuilding to safeguard biodiversity and improve local livelihoods in highly disputed areas such as the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS). The position will: (1) examine how the SCS/WPS contributes to socio-economic development, and human well-being; (2) disaggregate ecosystem service flows and equity in this flows for selected countries that stake a claim on the SCS/WPS; and (3) assess historical and current livelihood impacts of geopolitical conflict in the above-mentioned area. In addition, the appointed postdoc will actively contribute to multi-sectoral stakeholder workshops intended to foster enabling conditions of science diplomacy for biodiversity conservation of the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea. This position will be responsible for developing a field research protocol, and for local community outreach, in addition to the tasks outlined above. The postdoc position will be embedded in an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of scholars who are in Germany and Taiwan.
  • You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
  
  Your tasks:
  
  • Implement a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) on SCS/WPS’ contribution to socio-economic development and human well-being
  • Plan and conduct field work in case study areas (e.g. Philippines, Vietnam)
  • As part of the field work, conduct a quantitative survey to assess ecosystem service flows and conduct interviews and/or focus group discussions to examine equity dimensions
  • Contribute to a mixed-methods livelihood analysis to assess historical and current livelihood impacts of geopolitical conflict in the case study
  • Support the organisation and facilitation of project-related multi-sectoral stakeholder workshops
  • Respectfully engage with local communities and stakeholders
  • Actively collaborate with other PaCE team members
  • Publish scientific papers related to the tasks mentioned above

Where you will work
PaCe in the Netherlands will be based at Leiden University College The Hague (LUC), the international English-language Honours College of Leiden University. Talented and motivated students from all over the world come to The Hague especially to take part in the innovative Liberal Arts and Science programme that focuses on today's global challenges. For more than a decade, LUC has been holding a spot in the Keuzegids Universiteiten as the best-rated University College in the Netherlands. The academic staff, with diverse backgrounds and disciplines, have a passion for teaching and education in which the student is central. LUC is part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), one of the seven faculties of Leiden University. This young, entrepreneurial, innovative organisation has three scientific institutes, two centres, over 3,700 students and 425 staff members. For more information about the FGGA Faculty, click here.

What you bring

What you bring

Required qualifications and competencies

• A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a topic relevant to the project (e.g. sustainability science, development studies, social environmental science, social sciences, human geography, environmental geography, marine social science)
• You have expertise in one or more of these areas:
  
  • Ecosystem services/nature’s contribution to people
  • Livelihood analysis
  • Gender analysis
  • Equity
  • Marine social analysis
  • Resilience
  • Social-ecological systems
• You have strong quantitative research skills (e.g. quantitative analyses of ecosystem services or nature’s contribution to people)
• You have knowledge in, or are willing to strengthen your skills in qualitative research
• Strong communication skills particularly writing skills in English
• Experience in conducting field work, and willingness to spend a number of months in field work in the Philippines and/or Vietnam
• Strong research track record
• Ability to work in an inter-cultural setting
• Ability to collaborate with scholars from other disciplines

Desired, but not required

• Experience in mixed methods approach
• Fluency in Tagalog/Filipino/Vietnamese

What we offer

• This a temporary position with an initial duration of 24 months, with a potential to extend for additional months (subject to satisfactory performance and the extension of project funding). This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 3.546,- and a maximum of € 5.538,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 10);
• This position is offered at 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE). A full-time position at Leiden University is 38 hours.
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands for part of the week. This should be arranged with and agreed to, by your supervisor.
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for days worked at home and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office.

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. For more information about the working conditions, please visit: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we value
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. We strive for a diverse and inclusive community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Aisa O. Manlosa (a.o.manlosa@luc.leidenuniv.nl). You can apply until 12-04-2026.

Please ensure that you upload the following documents in PDF format, quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• Cover letter (max 1 page)
• Description of what you bring (In this document, describe how you meet the required criteria. Write it in text or tabular form. Maximum 2 pages).
• Name and contact details of at least two referees

Shortlisted applicants will undergo two rounds of interviews. In the first interview, we would like to get to know you and introduce ourselves. In the second interview, we’ll go in-depth into your research background and assess your ability to carry out the tasks required for the position successfully. The first round of interviews will be done on the 27th of April 2026. The second round of interviews will be done on the 4th of May 2026.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.