Postdoctoral researcher Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal; mCDR:MRV

Organisation/Company Utrecht University Research Field Environmental science » Earth science Environmental science » Ecology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 20 Sep 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Department of Earth Sciences is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher candidate with a background in Earth, Environmental or Marine Sciences or other appropriate fields. You will work on the project: “
Measurement and reporting for responsible marine CO2 removal (MAR-CO2)”.
Your job
Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is becoming an internationally recognised strategy as a way to mitigate climate change by increasing the ocean’s capacity to store anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Several strategies such as (1) direct ocean carbon capture, and (2) ocean alkalinity enhancement, manipulate ocean carbonate chemistry via electrochemical methods or alkalinity addition (enhanced rock weathering or via alkaline fluids), respectively. Both methods are beginning early pilot trail stages throughout European coastal waters;

however, scientific research is lacking with respect to assessing the biological and ecological impacts of these mCDR approaches.
This EU-funded project is in collaboration with an international consortium of researchers and industry partners that will assess mCDR via monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). Specifically, as the new postdoctoral researcher you will integrate ecological MRV (eMRV) approaches, that are essential for the deployment of mCDR strategies, via the assessment of ecological functions, biodiversity impacts, and potential consequences for human health effects.

You will help design, implement, and conduct in situ observation studies with partnered pilot sites (in the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Atlantic) complemented with laboratory experiments to build an eMRV framework supplementing traditional MRV. Observational approaches include deployment of passive chemical samplers, quantifying organic matter export, examining eDNA functional responses, and monitoring shifts in POC and biogenic silica. Laboratory studies will target the response of benthic fluxes associated with changes in overlying seawater based on pilot site mCDR strategy.

We seek candidates who are motivated about eMRV research, can lead field campaigns, and are self-driven and can work independently and with a team. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Marine Sciences or a related discipline by the time the position starts.
More specific, you have:

• Experience in conducting experiments and performing analytical sample processing (lab work);
• A theoretical background in marine environmental physiology, biogeochemistry, and ecology;
• Willingness to experiment with new data collections;
• Excellent communication and (scientific) writing skills.

Due to the international character of our research, good command of spoken and written English is essential. We highly encourage applicants from all members of our community and of diverse backgrounds to join us. Your possible starting date will be taken into account in the selection procedure.

We offer:

• a postdoctoral position (1.0 FTE) for max. 36 months.
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.706 and €5.760 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development , various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities . You can also tailor your employment…