Offer Description
The University of Namur (Belgium) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in theoretical and computational ecology to join the newly funded SHIFT project 'How does a shift in forest tree species composition affect soil organic carbon storage in ancient forests of Wallonia: site conditions, biotic interactions, and reversibility'.
This interdisciplinary project, led in collaboration with UNamur, UCLouvain, and ULiège, investigates how historical forest conversion and ecological restoration affect soil biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem functioning in ancient forests of Wallonia.
The PhD position at the University of Namur will focus on the modelling and integration components of the project. The successful candidate will use empirical data from a large-scale field campaign across ancient forest stands to reconstruct soil ecosystem carbon budgets and develop dynamic models of complex soil ecosystems based on the literature. The goal is to understand how changes in tree species composition affect the functioning, stability, and reversibility of forest soil ecosystems.
More specifically, the PhD candidate will contribute to:
- integrating data on soil carbon pools and fluxes, microbial communities, soil fauna, and ecosystem functioning;
- estimating carbon budgets of forest soil ecosystems using quantitative and probabilistic methods;
- developing dynamic models to study ecosystem stability, resilience, and the possibility of irreversible change;
- investigating how biodiversity and soil conditions jointly determine whether restored ecosystems can return to the state of unconverted ancient forests;
- collaborating closely with researchers in forest ecology, soil science and microbial ecology across the three partner institutions.
This position is particularly suitable for candidates interested in:
- theoretical ecology and complex ecosystems,
- ecological stability and resilience,
- biodiversity–ecosystem functioning,
- ecological networks and dynamical systems,
- the use of quantitative methods to address major environmental questions.
The PhD candidate will be based in the Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE) at the University of Namur, under the supervision of Prof. Frederik De Laender. The lab offers a stimulating international research environment with strong expertise in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning, coexistence theory, ecological stability, and complex ecological networks.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of theory, computation, and empirical ecology within an ambitious collaborative framework, and to contribute to fundamental questions on how ecosystems respond to disturbance and restoration in a changing world.
Where to apply
E-mail [email protected]
Requirements
Research Field Mathematics » Applied mathematics
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Physics » Statistical physics
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Computational Biology, Theoretical Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in theoretical and computational ecology, especially in questions related to ecosystem stability, resilience, biodiversity, and ecological networks.
- Good quantitative and analytical skills.
- Experience with programming and data analysis (preferably in R; experience with Python, Julia, Matlab, or similar is also valuable).
- Experience in using AI to operate said quantitative tools.
- Good command of English, both written and spoken.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.
Specific Requirements
- Experience with one or more of the following:
- ecological modelling,
- dynamical systems,
- network analysis,
- Bayesian statistics or probabilistic modelling,
- mathematical biology,
- multivariate data analysis.
- Interest in connecting empirical ecological data with theoretical or computational models.
Languages ENGLISH
Level Excellent
Research Field Mathematics » Applied mathematicsBiological sciences » BiodiversityPhysics » Statistical physicsBiological sciences » Biological engineering
Years of Research Experience None
Additional Information
Benefits
- A fully funded full-time PhD position (4 years) at the University of Namur (Belgium), subject to the standard doctoral regulations of the institution.
- An exciting opportunity to join a newly funded and highly interdisciplinary research project at the interface of theoretical ecology, forest ecology, soil science, and computational modelling.
- Supervision in a dynamic and internationally connected research environment within the Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE).
- Close collaboration with leading researchers from UNamur, UCLouvain, and ULiège.
- Support for participation in international conferences, workshops, and training activities.
- A stimulating academic environment in Namur, a pleasant and well-connected university city in the heart of Belgium.
Eligibility criteria
- Hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree or equivalent in Ecology, Environmental Science, Computational Biology, Theoretical Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a closely related field by the start date of the position.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in theoretical and computational ecology, especially in topics such as ecosystem stability, resilience, biodiversity, and ecological networks.
- Have solid quantitative and analytical skills.
- Have experience with programming and data analysis (preferably in R; experience with Python, Julia, Matlab, or similar is also welcome).
- Be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
- Be able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative research team.
Selection process
Applications should be submitted by email to Prof. Frederik De Laender by the published deadline. The application should include:
- a motivation letter,
- a curriculum vitae (CV),
- a copy of the Master thesis, or equivalent,
- the names and contact details of three referees who may be contacted for their opinion.
After the application deadline, applications will be reviewed and a shortlist of candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews will take place in early August 2026 and may also include a short test or practical exercise relevant to the position. A final decision is expected by late August 2026.
Additional comments
The exact starting date is flexible and can be discussed with the selected candidate. Informal enquiries about the position and the project are welcome and can be addressed to Prof. Frederik De Laender.
The University of Namur is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds are warmly encouraged.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1
Company/Institute University of Namur
Country Belgium
State/Province Namur
City Namur
Postal Code 5000
Street Rue de Bruxelles 61
Contact
City Namur
Website https://fdelaend.github.io
Street Rue de Bruxelles 61
Postal Code 5000
E-Mail [email protected]
