Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Soil Fauna Supporting Multifunctionality in Regenerative Agriculture – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Quick Overview
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is offering a PhD position investigating the role of soil fauna in supporting multifunctionality across 40+ regenerative farms in the Netherlands. This is part of the large-scale ReGeNL project with 19 PhDs working to accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture. You’ll work with pioneer farmers, quantify soil invertebrate diversity, and develop biodiversity indicators. Co-supervised by Wageningen University’s Soil Biology Group.
Experience Level: Master’s graduate in Soil Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, or related field
Best Fit: Candidates with an interest in soil fauna community ecology and regenerative agriculture
Deadline: August 1, 2026
Key Details
| Position | PhD Researcher |
| Project | Soil fauna supporting multifunctionality in regenerative agriculture |
| Location | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands (co-supervised by Wageningen University) |
| Qualification | Master’s degree in Soil Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, or related field |
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 per month |
| Hours | 30.4-38 hours per week |
| Duration | 4 years (1-year contract, extended upon satisfactory performance) |
| Deadline | August 1, 2026 |
| Vacancy ID | 5767 |
| Apply Via | VU Amsterdam application portal |
Opportunity Overview
Regenerative agriculture is a promising avenue to support healthy, multi-functional and future-proof farming systems. The ReGeNL project aims to make regenerative agriculture the new normal in the Netherlands by 2040, working with 1,000 farmers by 2030. This PhD is one of 19 positions supporting the monitoring, modelling and valuing of regenerative farms.
You will work with 40+ regenerative farms across eight different business systems, investigating:
- How different soil fauna communities contribute to multi-functionality
- Which combinations of management practices can enhance soil fauna diversity and associated multi-functionality
- What are the best indicators for wider monitoring of soil fauna and their functions
Research Environment
You’ll be based in the Ecology & Evolution section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) at VU Amsterdam, with co-supervision from the Soil Biology Group at Wageningen University.
Key strengths:
- Excellent state-of-the-art facilities
- International research environment
- World-class academic reputation
- Strong links to the Soil Biology Group at Wageningen (50+ persons, half PhDs)
- Access to 40+ pioneer regenerative farms across the Netherlands
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Your work will combine field research, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation.
Primary responsibilities:
- Conduct field and lab research on 40+ regenerative farms
- Measure and quantify soil invertebrate diversity
- Analyse links between soil fauna diversity and key ecosystem functions
- Develop a biodiversity indicator tool
- Teach in a BSc or MSc course related to the PhD topic
Who Should Apply
This position is best for a Master’s graduate in Soil Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field with interest in soil fauna community ecology.
Strong candidates will have:
- Knowledge or experience in soil fauna community ecology
- Affinity for field work
- Excellent writing and presenting skills
- Interest in societal challenges in agriculture and food systems
- Motivation to work in a transdisciplinary project with farmers and partners
- Experience or interest in quantitative research methods
- Dutch proficiency (or willingness to learn)
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Soil fauna identification | Core research activity |
| Community ecology | Understanding diversity and function |
| Field work experience | Working with 40+ farms |
| Quantitative methods | Data analysis |
| Dutch language | Working with Dutch farmers |
| Transdisciplinary collaboration | Project involves many partners |
| Teaching experience | MSc/BSc course involvement |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 per month |
| Hours | 30.4-38 hours per week |
| Duration | 4 years (1-year contract, extended upon satisfactory performance) |
| Holiday Allowance | 8% |
| Year-end Bonus | 8.3% |
| Pension | ABP (solid pension scheme) |
| Holiday Leave | 232 hours per year (38-hour week) |
| Sports Facilities | Available at modest charge |
Application Tips
- Emphasize soil fauna experience – This is the core of the project. Mention any experience with soil invertebrate identification or community ecology.
- Show transdisciplinary interest – The project involves farmers, researchers, and multiple partners. Demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines.
- Highlight field work experience – You’ll be working on 40+ farms across the Netherlands.
- Address Dutch language – Dutch proficiency is a requirement or willingness to learn. Mention your level or commitment.
- Connect to regenerative agriculture – Show your understanding of the broader ReGeNL project goals.
- Keep cover letter to one page – As specified in the application instructions.
How to Apply
Apply through the VU Amsterdam application portal.
Required documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter (maximum one page) with motivation and qualification statement
- Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
- Deadline: August 1, 2026
- Interviews: Mid/end August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can international students apply? Yes, but Dutch proficiency is required or willingness to learn.
- Is fieldwork a major component? Yes, you’ll work on 40+ regenerative farms across the Netherlands.
- What’s the teaching load? You’ll teach in one BSc or MSc course related to the PhD topic.
- Is this part of a larger project? Yes, this is one of 19 PhDs in the ReGeNL project.
- What’s the working language? Dutch and English.
- Can I work part-time? The position is 30.4-38 hours per week (negotiable).
