Postdoc Spatial dynamics and interactions of terrestrial and aerial predators of ground-breeding birds

research will make an important contribution to knowledge on effective management for the conservation of ground-breeding birds and will identify the remaining knowledge gaps after completion of the study.

Previous PREDWEI studies have provided substantial insight into the important role of various terrestrial predator species and their interactions in relation to ground-breeding birds. At the same time, these studies have revealed important knowledge gaps that are highly relevant for improving the effectiveness of policy and management aimed at protecting ground-breeding birds. This applies to the main landscape types in which these birds occur: meadow, arable, and coastal habitats, each with its own community of terrestrial and aerial predators (mammals and birds of prey).

In each landscape type, a link will be established between nest and chick survival of ground-breeding birds and the occurrence, spatial habitat use, and diet of the various predators. This will be achieved through continued monitoring (predators, nests, and voles), diet studies (eDNA analyses of faeces and/or prey remains), and the expansion of telemetry studies of birds of prey. In this way, PREDWEI 2 builds on previous PREDWEI subprojects, while expanding the research to include the role of birds of prey through tracking studies. PREDWEI 2 will actively collaborate with several partner projects, including the Godwit Chick Survival Project, two arable bird pilot projects, and the Wij en Wadvogels project. The project will also make use of data obtained from various smaller and often fragmented predation studies across the Netherlands.

What are you going to do?

The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work.

Requirements

There are several consortium partners involved in the project. Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker, and GKA are mainly responsible for the implementation of the fieldwork and for data collection and management. The postdoctoral researcher is to be appointed at the University of Groningen (RUG) for three years at 0.8 FTE and will be responsible for project coordination, conducting the analyses, writing scientific reports, and, where necessary and desired, supporting the fieldwork activities of the consortium partners. Representatives of various consortium partners (Ecosensys, Jasja Dekker Ecologie, GKA, and RUG) take place in the PREDWEI 2 steering committee, which meets twice a year (before and after the field season) to discuss plans and review results.

The Postdoc is expected to primarily contribute to the analysis and writing of the shared output (existing datasets and new data), as well as to the coordination and carrying out of the field-work. For the Postdoc position, we are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD degree in the field(s) of ecology or equivalent, and a background and interest in conservation. The ideal candidate has excellent skills in the statistical analyses of large (spatial) ecological datasets, has demonstratable experience with setting up and analyses of data of cameratrap studies and telemetry / tracking data, is able to work independently while being a team player, and has proven scientific writing skills. The candidate will be based in the group of Prof. C. Smit (https://www.rug.nl/staff/c.smit/), for a period of 3 years (0.8 FTE). Ideally, the candidate is available from 1 December 2026 onwards.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: A fixed-term contract for the duration of 0.8 FTE for 36 months.

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employer

University of Groningen

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.

The candidate will be based in the group of Prof. C. Smit (https://www.rug.nl/staff/c.smit/), for a period of 3 years (0.8 FTE).

Additional information

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job? Christian Smit (Full Professor): C.Smit@rug.nl

Questions about your application process? Kimberley ter Voorde - Speelman (Human Resources Assistant): k.m.ter.voorde-speelman@rug.nl