PhD position in Acoustic ecology of diving seabirds

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) and CO2 storage sites at sea are crucial components in the green energy transition, but also pose a pressure and risk for the North Sea ecosystem. North Sea POWER is a new NWO-NWA project which will contribute directly to the so-called KEC framework for Assessing Ecological and Cumulative Effects’, by updates on mathematical models and by filling data gaps.

A current data gap of large potential impact concerns the effects of underwater noise on diving seabirds, which hear well and otherwise have limited sensory abilities to detect prey, avoid predators, or to communicate underwater. Sounds from construction and operation of OWFs and CO2 storage sites, maintenance vessels, and collateral acoustic changes at sea, may all contribute to spatial patterns and redistribution of diving seabirds, with potential population-level consequences. 

The core questions that will be addressed in this PhD-project are: 1) Do guillemots use sounds underwater and is their foraging efficiency affected by noisy conditions? And 2) To what extent can underwater noise explain very large avoidance distances of guillemots around OWFs? Observational and experimental data will be collected on captive birds in a zoo and free-ranging birds at sea, using playback speakers, hydrophones, echosounders, and drones for auditory and visual observations.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research with diving seabirds in Blijdorp Zoo and at the North Sea.
• Communicate and collaborate with academic partners and societal stakeholders.
• Write four manuscripts for publication, resulting in a thesis.
• Present research at local and international conferences.
• Co-supervise undergraduate and graduate student projects.
• Participate in undergraduate teaching.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Personal and academic development are top priorities. We are committed to gain fundamental insights by curiosity and to look beyond disciplinary borders; to benefit scientific progress and to contribute to solutions for societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff {https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} and almost 5000 students {https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen}. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where academic and business life come together.

For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  http://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology

The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) combines research and teaching on biodiversity and health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help in protecting biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture, and increasing good health.  We are located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park. The IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.

In this PhD-project, the candidate will be supervised by Prof. dr. Hans Slabbekoorn (IBL) and Senior Researcher Martin Poot (Wageningen Marine Research). Within the diverse NS POWER team of marine ecologists, there will be close collaboration with a Post-doc on Underwater Acoustics at the Technical University of Delft and senior staff of Wageningen University & Research. Other partners and stakeholders include: Blijdorp Zoo, Rijkswaterstaat, Total Energies, Shell, Eni and TenneT.  

Selection criteria

• MSc degree (or considerable post-BSc research involvement) in Marine Ecology, Bioacoustics, Seabird Behaviour, or a related field.
• Affinity to work with animals, at sea, and with advanced technical tools.
• Experience in designing and performing behavioral and/or bioacoustic experiments.
• Ability to independently generate creative solutions to technical and theoretical problems.
• Good computational/programming skills for acoustical and statistical data processing
• High proficiency in written and spoken English

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time position, for an initial term of one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further two years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). 

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year (8.3 %) bonuses, training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. 

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

Information and application

Enquiries can be made to h.w.slabbekoorn@biology.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications

Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV (including relevant coursework and research output).
• Research Statement (describing experience and interests, max. 2 pages).
• The names and contact details of 2 persons who could provide a positive endorsement of your experience, skills, and character.

 Only applications received before 15th of July, 2026 can be considered.

• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.