Fully Funded PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Soil Science at NIOO-KNAW & Wageningen University, Netherlands (2026)
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and Wageningen University & Research have announced a fully funded PhD position focused on forest ecology, soil science, and climate change research in the Netherlands. The project investigates the hidden belowground ecological processes linked to European beech masting dynamics and their responses to global environmental change. This interdisciplinary PhD opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in soil ecology, forest ecosystems, biodiversity, predictive modeling, long-term ecological data analysis, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. Applications are open until 21 June 2026 . About the PhD Project European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) exhibit strong year-to-year fluctuations in seed production, known as “masting.” Some years produce massive seed outputs (“boom years”), while others produce very few seeds (“bust years”). These fluctuations significantly affect forest food webs, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosy...