PhD Position in Marine Methane Biogeochemistry (two positions)

1. Introduction

Would you like to contribute to an increased understanding of carbon cycle feedbacks in the climate system? Do you thrive in the dynamic blend of seagoing fieldwork, laboratory experiments and modelling? As a PhD candidate, you will explore key biogeochemical drivers of microbial methane removal in coastal systems such as estuaries, bays and fjords.  

2. Job description

Eutrophication and global warming are increasing the production of the greenhouse gas methane in coastal marine sediments worldwide. Methanotrophs play a key role in removing the methane through aerobic and anaerobic microbial processes. The efficiency of this methane removal is decreasing, potentially contributing to a positive feedback loop between warming and further methane release.

We offer two PhD positions:

Position 1: Aerobic methane removal. Emerging evidence shows that aerobic methanotrophs are present and active in anoxic marine waters. In this project, you will study the role of these aerobic methanotrophs in removing methane in coastal systems and the related biogeochemical controls.

Position 2: Anaerobic methane removal. High-latitude coastal sediments are increasingly subject to an increased input of organic matter and metal oxides from land. In this project, you will study how this impacts the anaerobic removal of methane. 

You will use state-of-the-art techniques for sampling and analysis (e.g. benthic lander incubations, synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy, methane isotopes, metagenomics and transcriptomics), combined with reactive transport modelling.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

3. Profile

• You hold an MSc degree in Earth, Environmental or Life Sciences (e.g. biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, environmental chemistry).
• You have good communication skills and are able to operate in a dynamic international research team.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English.
• You are willing and able to develop yourself into an independent.
• scientist (growth mindset).
• Experience with chemical analysis is essential.
• Experience in fieldwork would be an advantage.

4. We are

You will be part of the EMBRACER research consortium. At EMBRACER we work at the very frontiers of knowledge on climate change, Earth’s climate system and climate feedbacks. Within its 10-year research programme, funded by NWO, EMBRACER brings together a wide range of world-leading climate experts with the aim to address existing uncertainties about climate feedbacks at the boundaries between oceans, land, ice and atmosphere. Our interdisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art infrastructure will bring us forward in our understanding of the impact of climate feedbacks emerging over the next decades to centuries.

The department of Microbiology is part of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen (Netherlands), and is world-leading in environmental microbiology and (marine) biogeochemistry. We offer a dynamic research environment with a strong international profile, a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, strong national and international collaborations, and opportunities for researchers who wish to further develop themselves both scientifically and professionally through a large variety of courses, training opportunities and conferences. Radboud University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Caroline Slomp. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on 23, 24 or 25 September; any second interview will take place on 30 September or 1 or 8 October (in consultation). You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.