Teaser Text

Do you want to contribute to the protein transition and study biodiversity-positive and resilient cropping systems? Are you interested in investigating how novel protein crops interact with soil microbiomes and how these interactions support plant growth and soil functioning and provide resilience to extreme weather and climate events at different scales? Then this PhD position within the REAP2SOW project  might be for you!

What you will do

We are seeking a PhD candidate to investigate how novel protein crops, namely quinoa, white lupin and aardaker, affect soil microbiomes and soil functions. The PhD position will focus on understanding how novel crops interact with their microbiomes, and evaluates the impact of inclusion of protein crops in existing crop rotations on soil microbes and plant-microbe interactions. Further experiments on climate resilience the microbes provide to these crops will be performed. The approach will include on-farm observations, field experiments, controlled lab and greenhouse experiments and meta-analyses. Within this PhD position you will work closely with many other PhDs within the REAP2SOW consortium by conducting field-work and experiments together.

Key responsibilities align with  ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders but also across Universities and co-design and execute experiments to study impacts of protein transition. This position is grounded in the soil microbiomes but work will be interdisciplinary and include societal questions on protein transition.

• Together with other project members, design and execute field experiments on the impact of protein crops on soil microbiomes and resilience to water stress
• Develop and perform controlled greenhouse and lab experiments to further estimate the role of microbiomes in climate resilience of the novel protein crops
• Perform a meta-analysis on microbiomes under protein-crops
• Participate in a larger consortium working with various disciplines and stakeholders on the design and transition toward protein cropping systems
• Write and publish your research in leading scientific journals and communicate your findings through your PhD thesis and broader societal outreach.

Where you will work

Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff.

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels. 

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.800 staff and almost 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science. Information about CML can be found at  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences.

What you bring

• Msc in ecology, soil sciences, agronomy or other relevant discipline
• Ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Knowledge and interests on soil microbiomes, plant-microbiome interactions, and soil functions
• Ability to perform experiments, work in the laboratory, and analyse complex microbial data independently
• Knowledge on agricultural systems and experience in field work
• English proficiency
• We consider experience in microbiome (bioinformatic) analyses as a plus

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

What we offer

We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for up to 3 additional years based on performance, following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 3.059 to € 3.881 gross per month based on a full-time position.

At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office
• PhD student support: As a PhD student, you’ll be part of the Graduate School of Science, which offers a variety of training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. For more information about the working conditions, please visit: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important

At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Want to apply or find out more?

Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Do note we will also look into other applications submitted to REAP2SOW consortium so please do not submit applications to all of the advertisements. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
• Cover letter (max 1 page)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

The deadline for submissions is 31.1.2026; applications received after this date will not be considered.

The 1st and 2nd round of interviews will take place (online) in February 2026

Enquiries can be made to Emilia Hannula ; s.e.hannula@cml.leidenuniv.nl. Do not send your CV and motivation letter via email.

Selection Committee:

• Emilia Hannula, associate professor CML
• Peter van Bodegom, professor CML
• Julian Helfenstein, assistant professor WUR