Postdoc position: “Benthic biodiversity and anthropogenic effects on benthic ecosystems”

The department of Coastal Systems (COS) at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ-Texel) is looking for a highly motivated postdoc candidate to study patterns of benthic biodiversity in the Dutch Wadden Sea, with a focus on the subtidal areas. In particular, the candidate will analyze large spatially explicit datasets of macrozoobenthic species, with the ultimate goal of understanding patterns and the influence of (anthropogenically induced) changes in benthic ecosystems. THE DEPARTMENT The Department of COS studies integral coastal ecosystems and their populations of fish, birds, and other marine animals in the North and Wadden Seas as well as on a global scale. The department focusses on key physical, chemical and biological processes that determine the productivity and the ecological functioning of coastal areas. The coastal system is studied as a unity by considering the interrelations between the key compartments of the ecosystem (water, sediment, microalgae, macrozoobenthos, parasites, fish and birds). The welcoming atmosphere at NIOZ will provide ample opportunity for collaborations. THE PROJECT The Wadden Sea is the world’s largest intertidal mudflat system and is widely known for its birds, seals and fish. These animals depend strongly on benthic communities of worms, bivalves and other invertebrates living in and on the sediment. Yet the distribution and temporal dynamics of these communities remain poorly understood, particularly in the permanently submerged subtidal areas. Since 2008, the Synoptic Intertidal Benthic Survey (SIBES) has mapped benthic communities across the intertidal Dutch Wadden Sea each year. Complementing this programme, subtidal areas have been sampled at three-year intervals, initially within the Waddenmozaïek project [LINK]. This monitoring continued in 2025 as the Subtidal Benthic Survey (SUBES). Together, these surveys provide three spatially extensive snapshots covering a period of nine years. This unique dataset makes it possible to investigate how species distributions and community composition vary across space and change through time. THE POSITION You will use the unique SUBES dataset, complemented by SIBES and environmental data, to investigate spatial and temporal patterns in species distributions and benthic community composition. You will relate these patterns to abiotic conditions, including depth, sediment characteristics and flow velocity, and assess how they are influenced by human activities. Your research will advance our understanding of subtidal benthic biodiversity and provide knowledge relevant to management and conservation of the Wadden Sea. THE CANDIDATE You hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as community ecology or spatial ecology, and have experience analyzing large spatio-temporal datasets. You enjoy working with complex ecological data and are confident using quantitative methods to identify and interpret patterns. Experience with fieldwork in intertidal ecosystems is an advantage, but not essential. NIOZ is committed to a healthy and an inclusive working environment, in which people from diverse backgrounds can contribute and develop their talents. We value transparent and inclusive decision-making and expect our leaders to demonstrate visible commitment to inclusion, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence. CONDITIONS Employment of this position for 40 hours a week at Royal NIOZ NWO-I for a duration of 1.5 years . Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10 depending on relevant experience The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy. 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week. Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%. Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits. We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation. For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Oscar Franken ( [email protected] ). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to [email protected] Closing date for this vacancy is the 28th of August. We aim to invite suitable candidates for an interview on the 9th of September, 2026.