PhD Candidate: Developing Green Façades for Urban Biodiversity and Energy Efficiency
Develop innovative green façade systems that enhance urban biodiversity, thermal insulation, and sustainable construction through interdisciplinary ecological research.
Best for:Best for botanists, ecologists, or interdisciplinary researchers with strong fieldwork skills and a passion for sustainable urban design, seeking to combine ecological expertise with practical applications in green infrastructure.
Overview
This PhD position at Wageningen University & Research focuses on designing bio-inspired, circular façade systems that integrate plant growth to improve urban sustainability. The project, part of the BIO-SKIN initiative, aims to create multifunctional green façades that support biodiversity, regulate microclimates, and reduce building energy consumption. The successful candidate will investigate plant-soil-insect interactions in shallow-soil ecosystems, translating ecological insights into practical design principles. The role involves fieldwork, data analysis, scientific publishing, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including designers, engineers, and industry partners. The position is ideal for botanists or ecologists passionate about bridging fundamental research with real-world applications in urban sustainability.
What you'll do
- Investigate plant species performance and community assembly in shallow-soil systems, integrating insights from literature and field studies.
- Monitor the impact of green façade panels on energy efficiency and biodiversity at various Living/Field Lab locations year-round.
- Analyze ecological and ecophysiological datasets to inform design principles for next-generation green façades.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners to translate research into practical applications for sustainable construction.
- Teach and supervise BSc and MSc students in biodiversity-themed research projects.
- Design and set up mini-ecosystems in minimal soil/vertical environments for experimental validation.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in forest and nature conservation, biology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English and Dutch at C1 level; internationally recognized English proficiency certificate may be required
Instruction: English
- Extensive knowledge of Dutch flora and accurate plant species identification skills
- Strong interest in ecological interactions, particularly plant-insect-soil relationships
- Experience with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration
- Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English
- Experience in teaching and scientific writing
- No specific nationality restrictions mentioned
- No age or residency restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-02 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Applicants must submit their CV, a motivation letter, and a list of publications (if any) via the university’s online application portal. Additionally, a copy of the degree certificate and transcripts must be provided. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Degree certificate
- Transcripts of academic records
- Internationally recognized English proficiency certificate (if required)
Contact
Wageningen University & Research HR· PhD Recruitment
https://www.wur.nl/en/education/phd-programme/admission-requirements
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