GLOBIO project leader and senior researcher global ecological modelling

Location: The Hague

Global biodiversity is currently declining at an alarming rate. At PBL, we aim to support international biodiversity-relevant policy processes through scenario analyses with our global biodiversity model GLOBIO.

To continue strong leadership of the GLOBIO project, we are looking for a candidate with an impressive academic background in ecological modelling for policy applications, alongside experience in leading and managing research projects. GLOBIO is a global model to assess large-scale impacts of human changes in the environment (e.g., climate change, land use, pollution) on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems (including biodiversity and ecosystem services).

GLOBIO is also part of PBL's IMAGE-GLOBIO framework: a comprehensive integrated modelling framework of interacting human and natural systems. GLOBIO is consistently used in integrated biodiversity assessments that include trade‑offs and co‑benefits between nature, nature’s contributions to people (ecosystem services) and other sustainable development goals.

In this position you will lead and contribute to the further development and application of the global biodiversity model GLOBIO.

Leading the GLOBIO project including defining, planning and coordinating further model development activities in line with the GLOBIO strategy.

Coordinating the GLOBIO project work at PBL and in close collaboration with several university partners.

Translate applied policy questions to needs and actions for further model development (e.g., relations between biodiversity, ecosystem services and various environmental pressures such as climate change, land use, pollution, and feedbacks from nature to society), in collaboration with the IMAGE team.

Contribute to the application of GLOBIO in (e.g. Horizon) projects on scenario simulations to inform biodiversity-relevant policy processes (e.g., via CBD, IPBES) in collaboration with (inter) national research institutes.

Contribute to the technical implementation of novel model components.

Contribute to acquisition / proposal writing for GLOBIO relevant tenders, when relevant in collaboration with the IMAGE team.

Fostering scientific excellence and ensuring model quality, including through publishing model improvements in academic literature.

Secondary employment conditions
Alongside your salary, you will also receive the Individual Choice Budget (IKB). This consists of money (16.5% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB, you can make choices that suit you and you can customise part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, you can choose to have part of your monthly income paid out when you wish.

You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa, or spend it on tax‑friendly purposes. The Dutch government attaches great importance to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of your public transport commuting costs, and partially paid parental leave.

Required qualifications (non-negotiable)

You have 7+ years of experience in ecological modelling and environmental research.

You hold a PhD degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related relevant field. Experience in academic publishing required.

You have proven expertise in developing and applying quantitative ecological models (statistical and/or process-based) and in managing and analysing large datasets.

You are familiar with common high-level programming languages (e.g. R, Python, Matlab).

You have proven experience in leading research projects.

You are fluent in English (written and spoken), and you master at least a basic level of Dutch, or you are willing to learn.

Preferred…