Researcher global modelling of nature restoration at PBL
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.
Application deadline: 10 September 2026
