• Investigate the potential of the ‘’Green Heart’’, a rural area in the Netherlands threatened a.o. by soil subsidence, to make a transition to a circular economy by determining  natural capital and ecosystem services as currently and potentially available in the region as well as those initiated and mobilized by new business models;
• Determine and create synergies that stimulate transition, making use of natural capital and ecosystem services;
• Collaborate with stakeholders in the region to identify the most appropriate indicators;
• Collaborate with other researchers within the programme that e.g. develop innovative business models, investigate constraints imposed by law and regulations hampering the transition to a circular economy.

• PhD degree related to natural capital or ecosystem services;
• Knowledge of biogeography, agronomy and/or hydrology is preferred;
• Quantitative mindset;
• Open mind towards insights and demands of stakeholders and willingness to adapt accordingly;
• Creativity to combine and integrate interdisciplinary concepts into new designs;
• Strong communication skills;
• Proficiency of the Dutch language is preferred.

We offer a two year position. Salary ranges from €2,640 to €4,166 gross per month based on a fulltime position (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 

The Institute of Environmental Sciences Leiden (CML) is part of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. It unites two departments focusing on Conservation Biology (CB) and Industrial Ecology (IE). Jointly, they contribute to sustainable governance of biodiversity and natural resources. The research subjects comprise ecotoxicology, conservation and restoration ecology, ecosystem services, life cycle assessments, supply chains analysis and global resources. The Institute fosters an international atmosphere with strong interactions among the groups as well as with other departments. Working at CML means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff alike.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science