Doctoral scholarship holder forest ecology and global ecology

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The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Sciences is looking for a one full-time

doctoral scholarship holder in the field of forest ecology and global ecology

Position

“Spatial variability of the impact of nitrogen deposition on biomass production and above- and belowground biomass allocation in temperate and boreal forests under different environmental conditions and management”

In highly urbanized temperate and boreal regions, nitrogen (N) deposition is often a chronic perturbation that has altered tree resource availability and has led to soil acidification, decreasing forest production and health. However, there is high spatial variability in the impact of N deposition on forests, because of differences in deposition and forest sites, with even positive effects in more remote and colder regions. This PhD project will study these dynamics by investigating biomass production and above- and belowground biomass allocation in worldwide temperate and boreal forests on sites with different depositions, N load history, soil, forest type, environmental conditions and ecosystem management, ranking the importance of current N deposition in comparison to the latter variables. These objectives will be addressed by the analysis of a recent databases on biomass production and biomass allocation published by the host team and by a large series of global products (e.g. databases, EO, inventories) providing data on forest functioning, N deposition and other relevant environmental variables. By revealing the complex spatial relationship between N deposition and forest biomass production, this project will contribute elucidating the impact of nitrogen pollution and ecosystems, one of the great environmental challenges of our society.

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis on the above subject.
• You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
• You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
• You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
• You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within beyond your own doctoral research.
• You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Biology.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Biology, Bioengineering, or related field
• You have at least 1.5 year of research experience in a similar or relevant data-analysis topic
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You need to have solid skills and relevant experience on ecological data analysis and statistics using R or similar programming languages (e.g. python, Matlab).

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 18 months.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is 1 March 2027.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in Research Group PLECO in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 8 December 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  
  • a motivation letter of max 2 pages
  • your academic CV of max 2 pages
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure which will comprise one or more interviews.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. Matteo Campioli (matteo.campioli@uantwerpen.be) or prof. Erik Verbruggen (erik.verbruggen@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.