PhD Position on Vegetation Influence on Soil Microbial Processes and Carbon Cycling

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) at the University of Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary project exploring the link between vegetation, soil microbial processes, and ecosystem carbon storage. As climate change increases the frequency of droughts and heat waves, understanding how plants moderate below-ground microclimates is critical for predicting ecosystem resilience. The successful applicant will employ a multi-method approach, integrating controlled experiments, field observations, remote sensing, and process-based modeling. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative team of experts in soil ecology, carbon cycling, and computational modeling. The candidate will contribute to both research and teaching activities while developing their own interdisciplinary research program.

• Conduct laboratory experiments and field campaigns at the ICOS ecosystem station Loobos and other research sites.
• Quantify soil microclimate, microbial activity, community composition, and carbon cycling dynamics.
• Analyze vegetation structure and functional traits using remote sensing techniques such as LiDAR and multi-spectral imagery.
• Process and interpret chamber and eddy covariance measurements.
• Apply process-based models to integrate observations across various spatial and biological scales.
• Publish research findings in high-impact international peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at national and international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the teaching and supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students.