Postdoc Position: Ecosystem Size Spectra Analysis

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 3,546 - € 5,538

Required background

PhD

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

28 June 2026

Apply now

Are you eager to investigate how the impact of environmental stressors on ecosystems is related to the size of organisms and communities? Then join the ERC Advanced Grant project ’The Power of Size’ to find out, make a difference and boost your academic career! 

The overall aim of ’The Power of Size’ is to establish relationships describing the emission, fate and effects of pollutants as a function of size. We intend to derive overarching scaling principles that apply across multiple disciplines, including hydrology, socioeconomics, toxicology and ecology.

To achieve this goal, you will collect data from databases, reviews, articles and reports. You will then derive and compare statistical and mechanistic relationships. As the lead author, you will publish your results in scientific journals and present your main findings at international conferences. 

This vacancy involves Task 3.1 of ‘The Power of Size’ project, which is aimed at deriving theoretical and empirical scaling relationships linking species richness, trophic level productivity and community biomass to size spectra under stress. Merging existing and new relationships on specific indicators for these quantities, you will obtain a set of equations that describe ecosystem structure and functioning as a function of size and other relevant properties. You will test the theoretical framework developed on empirical data currently collected independently in the project. Examples of the approach can be found in Ecological Modelling 205: 196-208 and Ecological Indicators 79: 114-121. You will be part of the WP3 team consisting of Prof. Jan Hendriks, Dr Wilco Verberk, Dr Aafke Schipper, and one PhD candidate, and also collaborate with the PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers of WP1 and WP2. 

Your work will be theory- and data-driven, contributing to both fundamental research and regulatory applications. Given the empirical background of our research group, you will add essential skills to the team. On the one hand, you will help improve the understanding of the dominant role size plays in system functioning. On the other hand, the relationships you develop will support urgent risk assessment for over 1,000 substances, across more than 1,000 species (including humans) and 1,000 sites worldwide. 

To further improve your research and assessment skills as a postdoctoral researcher, you may attend courses offered by the Graduate School of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Science. You will supervise students and assist in teaching courses at the BSc/MSc level, which may take up to 10% of your working time (usually less). 

What I value most is the freedom to explore ideas together
Félix P. Leiva, Dr
Postdoc - The Power of Size

Working as a postdoctoral researcher within the ’The Power of Size’ project means diving into big questions, but never alone. The research focuses on how contaminants accumulate in animals, using a mix of physiological insights and statistical models. On paper, that might sound quite technical, but in practice it’s curiosity: understanding patterns in nature and figuring out what drives them.

What makes this team unique? 

What makes this role stand out is the team behind it. There’s a strong sense of openness and trust, and everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas. People approach the same problems from different perspectives, which makes discussions sharp, but also enjoyable. It never feels like you’re working in isolation. You’re always building on each other’s thinking.   

We’re now looking for someone who brings a strong theoretical perspective and enjoys connecting theory with data.

Every couple of weeks, the team comes together to share progress. These meetings go beyond simple updates; they are where ideas take shape. Someone suggests a new way of analysing data, another might point you to an article you hadn’t seen yet, and suddenly your work moves in a new direction. This kind of exchange happens naturally, without hierarchy or hesitation. 

We’re now looking for someone whith a strong theoretical perspective who enjoys connecting theory with data, adding a new dimension to a team with a predominantly empirical focus. 

How much freedom do you get in your work? 

There’s also plenty of freedom to shape your own path. You’re trusted to develop your part of the project, explore what interests you, and even supervise students along the way. That balance between collaboration and independence is what makes the work especially rewarding. 

You’re given the trust to shape your own ideas within the project.

What can you expect when you start? 

Starting out in the team feels well-supported. In the first weeks, you’ll have the space to define your focus, get to know your colleagues, and understand how everything works, both academically and practically. This helps you find your footing quickly, without unnecessary pressure. 

In the end, it’s the combination of intellectual challenge and collaborative spirit that defines this position. You’ll be working on meaningful scientific questions, in a team that values curiosity, openness, and shared progress. 

If you enjoy thinking theoretically, connecting ideas with data, and being part of a supportive and ambitious research environment, this is a place where you can truly make an impact. 

Read Félix's storyClose this story
Does this sound like you?

• You hold a PhD degree in ecology, environmental science or another field related to the topic.
• You have experience in systematic data collection, statistical analysis with appropriate software, and, in particular, describing complex systems by simple equations.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English at the C1 level.
• You like collaborating with other people in a cross-disciplinary setting.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of one year with the prospect of an extension for 2 years (1,0 FTE) or 2.75 years/33 months (0,8 FTE).
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

You will be based at the Department of Environmental Science of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences  (RIBES) within the Faculty of Science . The mission of the Department of Environmental Science is to provide high-quality scientific knowledge that can help the world move towards greater sustainability. To achieve this, we aim to understand and predict the impact of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems and humans, and use the knowledge obtained to identify solutions for a more sustainable society. Our group currently consists of around 75 people, offering an open, inclusive and supportive work environment with regular social activities.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account(link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Jan Hendriks. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. Therefore, you will receive feedback and information about a possible follow-up process shortly. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed, and further applications will no longer be possible. The interview slots will be scheduled in consultation with the shortlisted applicants.

You will start your employment as soon as possible, but no later than 1 September 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.

Apply now Application deadline 28 June 2026

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Want to know more about this position?
Prof. A.J. Hendriks (Jan)
Professor Environmental Science
jan.hendriks@ru.nl
Last modified: 17 April 2026
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