PhD Funded Position on Local Food Web Dynamics Within Offshore Wind Farms at Wageningen University

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is offering a fully funded PhD position on local food web dynamics within offshore wind farms as part of the North Sea POWER consortium. The research will investigate how biofouling communities living on offshore wind farm structures influence local food webs, carbon cycling, and marine ecosystem processes in the North Sea.

The PhD position is part of North Sea POWER (Progress in Offshore Wind Ecological Research), a major transdisciplinary research project addressing the ecological impacts of rapidly expanding offshore wind energy.

As offshore wind farms become an increasingly important part of the European energy transition, understanding their effects on marine ecosystems is essential. This research will contribute to improving ecological models, reducing uncertainty around environmental impacts, and supporting offshore wind development that considers marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

The position is based primarily at Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, the Netherlands, with collaboration with the Marine Animal Ecology group at Wageningen University in Wageningen.

About the North Sea POWER Project

The North Sea POWER consortium focuses on understanding and reducing uncertainty around the ecological effects of offshore wind farms.

The project investigates several important environmental questions, including:

• Underwater noise
• Biomass and water flows
• Wildlife disturbance
• Effects on seabirds and bats
• Ecological changes associated with offshore wind infrastructure
• Potential mitigation measures

The project aims to generate knowledge that can support a more sustainable expansion of offshore wind energy while protecting marine ecosystems.

North Sea POWER is funded through the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) and was developed in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Led by Wageningen University & Research, the consortium brings together academic institutions, conservation organisations, societal stakeholders, and partners from the energy sector.

This position is one of 12 PhD and postdoctoral positions within the wider consortium. Although you will have your own research project, you will also work closely with the other researchers through joint meetings, fieldwork activities, training, and shared scientific questions.

About the PhD Research

The central focus of this PhD is the role of biofouling communities in offshore wind farms and how these communities influence local marine food webs and carbon cycling.

Biofouling organisms colonise artificial structures such as offshore wind turbine foundations. These communities can create new habitats and alter local ecological interactions.

Your research will investigate how these organisms influence processes such as primary and secondary production and the movement and storage of carbon in marine ecosystems.

The research will combine laboratory experiments, field observations, molecular approaches, and ecosystem modelling to develop a better understanding of these processes.

The results will help improve ecosystem-scale models and contribute to environmental impact assessments for offshore wind development.

Research Focus

As a PhD candidate, you will study how biofouling communities affect the flow of energy and carbon through marine ecosystems.

Your research may address questions related to:

• Grazing interactions between fouling organisms and their prey
• Carbon biomass associated with biofouling communities
• Prey preferences of different fouling species
• Particle export from offshore structures
• Faeces sinking velocities
• Primary and secondary production
• Carbon cycling and blue carbon sequestration
• Food web interactions around offshore wind structures
• Ecological differences between natural and artificial reefs

An important part of the project will be understanding how empirical observations can be incorporated into broader ecosystem models.

You will also have the opportunity to explore molecular approaches such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and DNA metabarcoding.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

The PhD project combines laboratory research, fieldwork, data analysis, modelling, and scientific communication.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Conducting laboratory experiments to measure grazing rates, carbon biomass, prey preferences, particle export, and faeces sinking velocity across different fouling species.
• Carrying out field surveys using research vessels.
• Collecting and analysing ecological data from offshore environments.
• Integrating empirical findings into conceptual ecosystem models.
• Exploring molecular techniques such as eDNA and DNA metabarcoding where appropriate.
• Contributing to the development and refinement of ecosystem-scale models.
• Publishing your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Presenting research results at national and international conferences.
• Mentoring BSc and MSc students.
• Working collaboratively with researchers, technicians, field specialists, and project stakeholders across the North Sea POWER consortium.

The project will require you to balance independent research with active participation in a multidisciplinary research team.

Your Research Team

You will be based at Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) in Den Helder and will also be part of the Marine Animal Ecology (MAE) group at Wageningen University & Research.

Your daily supervisors will be:

• Dr. Joop Coolen
• Dr. Ninon Mavrakis

You will also work within the Marine Animal Ecology group under the supervision of Associate Professor Reindert Nijland.

At Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, scientists, analysts, field researchers, and students work on a broad range of marine topics. These include benthic ecology, seals, seabirds, bats, and other marine species.

You will become part of the North Sea Reefs theme team, which includes researchers specialising in the ecology of both natural and artificial reefs in the North Sea.

The interdisciplinary nature of the team will allow you to work with specialists from different scientific and technical backgrounds.

Molecular Research Opportunities

The PhD project also offers opportunities to design experiments involving molecular tools.

For example, you may explore the use of:

• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• DNA metabarcoding
• Molecular approaches to identifying species and food web interactions

Molecular laboratory work will be performed at the Marine Animal Ecology laboratory at Wageningen University.

This provides an opportunity to combine traditional ecological fieldwork and laboratory experiments with modern molecular techniques.

Working at Wageningen Marine Research

Your main working location will be Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, in the Netherlands.

WMR is an applied research institute with locations in Den Helder, IJmuiden, and Yerseke.

The Den Helder research centre focuses on areas including the coastal and offshore North Sea, as well as tropical and Arctic and Antarctic environments.

In addition to conducting ecological research, Wageningen Marine Research provides scientific advice to governments on issues such as:

• Protection of marine species and habitats
• Pollution
• Human impacts on marine ecosystems
• Nature-inclusive design
• Interactions between industry and marine ecology

The Den Helder facilities include offices and specialist research infrastructure such as:

• Benthic laboratories
• Eco-analysis laboratories
• Climate rooms
• Mesocosm facilities
• Algae culture facilities

WMR also operates an experimental hard-substrate garden in the marina on the island of Texel, providing additional opportunities for research into artificial reef and hard-substrate communities.

Candidate Profile

Wageningen University & Research is looking for a motivated researcher with a strong interest in marine ecology and multidisciplinary research.

You should have a scientific background that enables you to combine hands-on experimentation with ecological analysis and modelling.

Required Qualifications

You should have:

• A completed Master’s degree, or expect to graduate before the appointment date, in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with hands-on laboratory experiments.
• Experience with ecological fieldwork.
• A demonstrated background or strong interest in ecological modelling and data analysis.
• A strong interest in marine ecology.
• An interest in multidisciplinary research.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• The ability to work effectively with scientists, technicians, and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
• Strong quantitative and preferably technical skills.
• The ability to work independently in a challenging research environment.

Previous experience with ecological modelling is valuable, while a strong interest and willingness to develop these skills will also be relevant to the position.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate should have a proactive and inquisitive approach to research.

WUR is looking for someone who is:

• Enthusiastic
• Creative
• Self-reliant
• Curious
• Proactive
• Collaborative
• Strongly motivated to complete a PhD

You should be comfortable taking responsibility for your own research while also contributing actively to a wider team.

Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required. The vacancy specifies a minimum CEFR C2 level of English proficiency.

What Wageningen University & Research Offers

Wageningen University & Research offers a fully funded PhD position together with a tailored course programme designed around your research needs and professional development.

The employment package includes:

• A fully funded PhD position.
• A tailored PhD training and course programme.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
• Access to sports facilities for a small fee.
• An 8.3% fixed year-end bonus.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and internal mobility.

The position is covered by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).

PhD Salary and Contract

The gross salary starts at €3,204 per month in the first year and increases to €4,051 per month in the fourth year.

The salary is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours and follows CAO-NU scale P.

The initial contract is for 18 months. If performance is satisfactory, the contract will be extended for the duration of the project.

Salary at a Glance

PhD Year	Gross Monthly Salary
Year 1	€3,204
Year 2	According to PhD salary scale
Year 3	According to PhD salary scale
Year 4	€4,051

Support for International Applicants

Wageningen University & Research has a large international community and provides support for employees relocating to the Netherlands.

International employees can receive assistance with Dutch immigration and visa procedures for themselves and, where applicable, their families.

WUR also provides information and support related to:

• Housing
• Opening a bank account
• Dual-career programmes
• Schooling
• Relocation
• Settling into life in the Netherlands

The WUR International Community provides practical information for international employees, while Welcome Center services can provide additional relocation guidance.

Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, certain international employees may qualify for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.

Diversity and Inclusion

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion and aims to create a workplace where people feel welcome, safe, and appreciated.

The university recognises that different perspectives and experiences can contribute to innovative research and better solutions to complex scientific and societal challenges.

The North Sea POWER project itself brings together researchers and stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds.

About Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research is an internationally recognised university and research organisation specialising in life sciences, food, agriculture, nature, and the living environment.

Its mission is:

“To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.”

WUR combines Wageningen University with specialised research institutes under the Wageningen Research Foundation.

The organisation has approximately 7,600 employees, 6,700 FTE, 13,100 students, and more than 150,000 participants in Life Long Learning programmes.

Its research approach is strongly interdisciplinary, bringing together different scientific fields to address complex challenges related to food, health, nature, sustainability, and the environment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW Your application should contain a maximum of three pages in total:

• Curriculum vitae: maximum 2 pages
• Motivation letter: maximum 1 page

The combined application documents must not exceed three pages. Applications exceeding the maximum length may not be considered.

Additional documents such as academic grades and transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered.

Application Deadline

The vacancy text states that applications can be submitted up to and including October 20, 2026.

However, the vacancy metadata lists the application deadline as October 21, 2026.

Because the two dates differ, applicants should check the official WUR application page and follow the deadline displayed in the online application system before submitting their documents.

Interview Dates

The first interviews are scheduled to take place online on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Potential second-round interviews are scheduled to take place in person in Den Helder on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Applicants should consider these dates when submitting their application.

Contact Information

For questions about the research and position, contact:

Dr. Reindert Nijland
Email: reindert.nijland@wur.nl

For questions about the recruitment procedure, contact:

Noorien Abbas
Corporate Recruiter
Email: recruitment.asg@wur.nl

Key Details at a Glance

Category	Details
Position	PhD Position on Local Food Web Dynamics Within Offshore Wind Farms
Project	North Sea POWER
Institution	Wageningen University & Research
Research Location	Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder
University Group	Marine Animal Ecology
Research Area	Marine Ecology, Offshore Wind, Food Webs, Carbon Cycling
Degree Required	Master’s degree
Eligible Fields	Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, related fields
Contract	Temporary, initially 18 months
Salary	€3,204–€4,051 per month
Working Hours	38 hours per week
PhD Funding	Fully funded
Salary Scale	CAO-NU Scale P
Application Length	Maximum 3 pages
CV	Maximum 2 pages
Motivation Letter	Maximum 1 page
Application Deadline	October 20, 2026 in vacancy text; metadata states October 21, 2026
First Interviews	November 5, 2026, online
Second Interviews	November 13, 2026, in Den Helder
Professional Field	PhD & EngD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this PhD position about?

The PhD focuses on how biofouling communities living on offshore wind farm structures influence local food web dynamics and carbon cycling in the North Sea.

Is this a fully funded PhD?

Yes. Wageningen University & Research describes the position as a fully funded PhD and provides a tailored training and course programme.

Where is the PhD position located?

The main working location is Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, the Netherlands. The researcher will also collaborate with the Marine Animal Ecology group at Wageningen University.

What is biofouling?

Biofouling refers to communities of organisms that grow on submerged artificial or natural surfaces. In offshore wind farms, these communities can colonise turbine foundations and other structures and may influence local habitats, food webs, and carbon flows.

What research methods will be used?

The project combines laboratory experiments, field surveys, ecological data analysis, conceptual modelling, and potentially molecular techniques such as eDNA and DNA metabarcoding.

What Master’s degree do I need?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree, or be expected to graduate before appointment, in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or another closely related discipline.

Do I need experience with ecological modelling?

The vacancy asks for a demonstrated background or strong interest in ecological modelling and data analysis. Strong quantitative and preferably technical skills are also expected.

Is fieldwork part of the PhD?

Yes. The responsibilities include field surveys conducted from research vessels, alongside laboratory experiments and data analysis.

What is the salary?

The gross salary starts at €3,204 per month in the first year and rises to €4,051 per month in the fourth year, based on a 38-hour working week.

How long is the initial contract?

The initial contract is for 18 months and is expected to be extended for the duration of the project if performance is satisfactory.

What is the application deadline?

The vacancy text states October 20, 2026, while the vacancy metadata lists October 21, 2026. Applicants should verify the deadline shown in the official WUR application system.

How long can my application be?

The complete application must not exceed three pages. The CV can be up to two pages and the motivation letter up to one page.

Are transcripts required?

No. Grades and academic transcripts are not required at the application stage and will not be considered.

When are the interviews?

The first interviews are scheduled online for November 5, 2026. Potential second-round interviews are scheduled in Den Helder for November 13, 2026.