PhD in soil fauna supporting multifunctionality in regenerative agriculture

Are you interested in the role of soil fauna in supporting various soil functions across a range of pioneer regenerative farm systems, and also passionate about soil fauna diversity? This PhD position might be the perfect fit.

The Ecology and Evolution section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is accepting applications for a PhD position with focus on soil animal ecology. The section Ecology and Evolution answers fundamental ecological and evolutionary questions regarding the relationship between organisms and their environment at the full array of hierarchical levels: from molecular ecology to ecosystem research.

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, co-supervised by The Soil Biology Group at Wageningen University.

Are you interested in a PhD focusing on the role of the soil fauna in regenerative agriculture? Working with pioneer regenerative farmers across the Netherlands, this PhD will investigate which combinations of practices can support healthy multi-functional soil fauna communities. This PhD will quantify the role of soil fauna in supporting a range of soil functions for eight different regenerative agricultural business systems, working with 40 plus regenerative farms. The research will include questions like: 1) How do different soil fauna communities contribute to multi-functionality? 2) Can we recommend different combinations of management practices to enhance soil fauna diversity and associated multi-functionality? 3) What are the best indicators for wider monitoring of soil fauna and their functions in regenerative systems?

There is steadily growing pressure on agriculture and the entire food system to increase global production while promoting sustainability in terms of farmers' incomes, soil health, input use, and environmental and climate impact. Regenerative agriculture is a promising avenue to support a healthy, multi-functional and future-proof soil and farming system. Together with regenerative Dutch farmers, ReGeNL is developing a future-proof agricultural sector in which agriculture goes hand in hand with soil health and nature restoration, and a good revenue model for farmers. Between now and 2030, ReGeNL will start the transition to regenerative agriculture with 1000 farmers. The aim is to make regenerative agriculture the new normal by 2040.

This PhD will be one of 19 PhDs being recruited to support the monitoring, modelling and valuing of regenerative farms in the Netherlands. This large-scale transdisciplinary project (ReGeNL) will assess which combinations of practices are adopted/recommended for 8 different types of regenerative agriculture systems. The project aims to be an accelerator for the transition to a regenerative, profitable and socially supported agricultural sector. As part of this project, we will monitor and model a range of different regenerative agricultural systems to understand which combinations of practices work for a range of agricultural, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The outcomes assessed include; soil health, water and air quality, biodiversity and socio-economic goals such as farm income, citizen involvement, animal welfare and much more. Moreover, we will study how performance on these outcomes can be valued in food system governance.

As PhD you will work to support research and teaching activities within the A-LIFE section Ecology and Evolution. The role will encompass a variety of tasks.

Your duties

• conduct field and lab research
• measurements and quantification of soil invertebrate diversity
• analyse links between soil fauna diversity and key ecosystem functions
• developing a biodiversity indicator tool
• teaching in a BSc or MSc course on a topic related to the PhD

• a completed master’s degree in a field related to the topic the PhD project (e.g. biology, environmental science, agricultural science, or an adjacent field)
• knowledge or experience in (soil fauna) community ecology, with affinity for field work
• excellent writing and presenting skills
• affinity with societal challenges in the domains of agriculture and food systems
• motivation to work in a transdisciplinary project with many project partners and farmers
• experience with or interest in quantitative research methods 
• enthusiasm to work in academic teams
• Dutch proficiency (or willingness to learn)

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About the institutes
The Sub-department A-LIFE / Ecology & Evolution, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels.

The Soil Biology Group, Wageningen University and Research, integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is “to explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”.  Our aim is to advance and share knowledge on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world, and how land management may impact soil life. We are an international team of over 50 persons, with currently half being PhDs. We have excellent laboratory facilities and support for the development and implementation of soil biological methods.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.