The terrestrial biosphere is where we live and produce most materials essential to our life. The role of land ecosystems in regulating climate and atmospheric composition in the past and present is firmly established based on information from plant biology and palaeobotany. However, scientific knowledge regarding how ecosystems and the individual species within them will respond to future climate conditions remains uncertain. Of specific uncertainty is how plant species from ancient lineages such as mosses, ferns and horsetails will respond to increasing CO2 as these extant species still carry the evolutionary baggage of the CO2 environment under which they first evolved.

In this PhD project titled ‘From losers to winners? The vital performance of ancient plant lineages’ we aim to test the hypothesis that the current rise in CO2 has disproportionately strong positive effects on the functioning of plant species from these ancient lineages. To study these effects, the PhD candidate will combine methods from plant biology, palaeobotany and plant ecology in order to derive new insights into the ecophysiological responses of species from ancient plant lineages to changes in CO2 and growth climate. Methods include growth experiments, microscopic and chemical analyses of (sub)fossil leaves, and numerical experiments using computer models. Growth experiments will be conducted in the facilities of the botanical gardens and the state-of-the-art facilities of Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC) of Utrecht University. Research output will contribute directly to outreach via the new evolution garden of Utrecht University Botanic Gardens.

Owing to the interdisciplinary character of the project we are looking for a motivated, creative and independent PhD candidate who is enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary research team and capable of integrating and combining knowledge and approaches from the fields of plant biology, palaeobotany and vegetation modelling.

The following points are considered as positive aspects in your application: 

• a Master's degree (or an international equivalent) in Earth sciences, biology, ecology, environmental science, hydrology, biophysics, biochemistry, or closely related field;
• practical experience with conducting empirical research in the fields of plant-ecophysiology, palaeo-ecology or plant biology;
• affinity with programming or scientific computing;
• excellent scientific communication skills (written and orally) in English;
• affinity with popular science communication and public outreach.

Collaboration group
The proposed project makes use of unique complementary expertise of the three involved researchers and the infrastructure available at their respective groups at Utrecht University: the Environmental Sciences group at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, the department of Physical Geography, the Quantitative Biodiversity Dynamics group at the department of Biology, and the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens.

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. For an impression of the university, please visit Utrecht University Campus Tour.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

As a PhD candidate you will be based at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development: an interdisciplinary research institute hosting 270 researchers and more than 100 PhD candidate that collectively investigate and develop processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The core mission of the Copernicus Institute is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. This includes contributing to a better health and well-being.