The state of biodiversity and ecosystems continues to degrade as pressures on nature increase. Consequently, ecosystem restoration has gained momentum as a solution to thwart this decline. In Europe, the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, particularly those that directly benefit people through the supply of ecosystem services. Similarly, Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework requires countries to ensure the restoration of degraded ecosystems globally.

At PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, we do research to support policy decision-making. With the GLOBIO (http://www.globio.info) and IMAGE (www.pbl.nl/image) models, we develop and analyse scenarios to explore response options to mitigate climate change or bend the curve of biodiversity loss. Results are frequently used in international assessments, such as those by IPCC and IPBES.

In the two starting European research projects, NatureRestoreR and EcoNature, we will focus on nature restoration in Europe and supporting the implementation of the NRR. We are looking for two highly motivated researchers to contribute to these projects.

The two researchers will work closely together with other IMAGE and GLOBIO researchers, specialised in land use, biodiversity, foods systems and other related topics. A component of the work will focus on linking GLOBIO and IMAGE for a better representation of ecological restoration. It is important that you enjoy working in a team, while simultaneously being able to carry out research work independently. In addition, you contribute to other PBL research activities, including model development, scenario studies, fulfilment of project tasks, and publications. You have experience with ecosystem services, environmental, land-use, and/or ecological modelling, as well as statistical modelling, preferably in the context of global environmental change research. You have the ability to acquire new skills quickly and have a flexible attitude.

The two research positions differ slightly in their focus. Please motivate in your letter clearly if you have a preference for either of the following two researcher positions:

Position 1) Researcher modelling biodiversity and ecosystem services responses to nature restoration using the GLOBIO model
In this position, you will specifically focus on modelling biodiversity and ecosystem services responses to nature restoration. Your role will be to develop and apply quantitative spatially explicit models of how ecosystem services (e.g. flood control, carbon sequestration, pollination) respond to restoration measures. To achieve this, you will review and systematise existing knowledge on the impacts of different restoration measures on habitat conditions, ecosystem functions, and ecosystem services. Additionally, you will translate these findings into quantitative relationships, identifying relevant parameters (such as climate and land use) and data, and implement them within the GLOBIO modelling framework (http://www.globio.info).

Position 2) Researcher integrated assessment modelling of nature restoration using the IMAGE model
In this position, you will specifically focus on the impact of nature restoration on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the food system. You will focus on two tasks in this position. First, you will work on an empirical meta-study of restoration and its benefits and trade-offs with agricultural productivity. Second, you will improve the representation of nature restoration in the IMAGE model (www.pbl.nl/image) to assess the benefits and trade-offs related to the food system, climate mitigation, and other environmental challenges such as pollution and land degradation. Examples of topics that you will work on are the role of pollination in food provision, how agroforestry may benefit carbon storage, and how different management practices reduce soil erosion.

• MSc (with proven experience) or PhD (preferred) in environmental science or a related field, with a strong interest in the role of nature restoration in relation to ecological responses, food systems, and environmental challenges.
• Experience in ecological and/or land-use modelling at large scales, including the application of models and developing model code (ideally in Python), preferably with a familiarity in working collaboratively on model code under version control.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with analysing large datasets, including spatially explicit data.
• Proficiency in applying statistical methods for systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses (position 2 specifically).
• Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research, with a drive for policy-relevant applied research.
• Excellent skills in English. To facilitate communication amongst colleagues, we expect you to make an effort to learn Dutch if you are not yet proficient in the language.
• Experience supervising MSc students and/or junior researchers is considered a plus.

Don't check every requirement above, but feel excited about working with us at PBL on these projects? Let us know in your cover letter why you'd like to join the team.

• Please note: you can only apply up to the closing date (not ‘up to and including’).
• The first round of interviews will take place in week 39/40 (21 September – 2 October).
• Obtaining references or online screening (of e.g. scientific publications or LinkedIn profile) may be part of the selection process.
• This vacancy is not a permanent position, as the project you will be working on is only temporarily funded. A permanent contract is therefore not possible. If you already have a (permanent) contract with the Dutch government, you can discuss with your current supervisor whether it is possible to be seconded for the duration of the project. Well before the end of your contract at PBL approaches, you will make career arrangements with your supervisor to support you in finding a suitable next step, either at PBL or elsewhere.
• Salary placement within the offered scale is based on knowledge and experience.
• Where it suits your work tasks and duties, you may also partly work from home. However, you must live and work in the Netherlands and must be at the office for at least half of your working hours.
• Acquisition proposals will not be considered.

Onboarding
We consider a smooth onboarding process within the organisation to be very important. Therefore, during your onboarding period, you will be guided by a direct colleague. This colleague will be your first point of contact during the period in which you familiarise yourself with the organisation. Additionally, PBL has an introduction programme for new employees that focuses on the role and position of the organisation, our working methods, and work culture.

Contact
Do you have any questions about this position? Please get in touch with t Alexandra Marques (06-21353369) or Clara Veerkamp for position 1, and Jonathan Doelman (06-11531618) or Astrid Bos for position 2.

For more information about the application process, you can get in touch with the HR advisor (Ellen van Tongeren, +31611499768).