20/01/2026
The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Sciences of The University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Role of mangrove ecosystems for nature-based coastal climate adaptation
Position
Background: Coastal regions in (sub)tropical zones are increasingly exposed to shoreline erosion and flooding risks as a result of sea-level rise and intensified storm activity driven by climate change. In many of these regions, engineered coastal protection infrastructure is limited, creating an urgent need for cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. Development of mangrove forests, either naturally or facilitated by human interventions, is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for coastal protection, as the complex vegetation structures of mangroves can attenuate tidal currents and waves, and can reduce erosion and flooding risks. However, many mangrove afforestation projects fail, particularly during the early stages of mangrove establishment. This highlights critical knowledge gaps regarding how young mangroves function in wave attenuation and how they persist under combined stress from waves, tides, and sediment dynamics. Understanding the life-stage-specific thresholds that govern the early stages of mangrove survival, growth, and coastal protection functionality is essential to improve the design and success of mangrove-based climate adaptation strategies.
The position: You will work on a 4-year PhD project aiming to unravel the mechanisms that control the development of functional and persistent young mangrove ecosystems for nature-based shoreline protection. The research will investigate how wave attenuation capacity and survival of mangroves depend on life stages (propagules, seedlings, saplings, trees), and how feedbacks between vegetation growth and wave attenuation can lead to alternative stable states (bare tidal flats versus developing mangrove forests).
The project combines controlled flume experiments, geospatial data analysis and numerical modelling. Experimental work will be conducted at the MESODROME tidal flume facility at the campus of the University of Antwerp, which is an experimental facility consisting of a channel where tides can be generated, and which will be equipped with a wave generator to study mangrove growth and wave-vegetation interactions under controlled conditions. Further, you will process geospatial data and field observations gathered by our colleagues at ESPOL University in a recent mangrove development project in the Guayas delta (Ecuador), a unique large-scale mangrove restoration site where young mangrove development is monitored along gradients in tidal inundation, sediment properties, and wave exposure. In addition, the project will develop and apply coupled vegetation-growth and wave-transformation models (including SWAN) to identify critical environmental thresholds for mangrove establishment and coastal protection. This computer modelling step may be elaborated by the PhD student or another post-doctoral researcher working on the project, depending on the interest in and/or pre-existing experience of the PhD candidate with numerical modelling.
Your work will include experimental design and data analysis, field data analysis, remote sensing analysis, modelling (potentially), scientific writing, training in scientific communication and public outreach, and the preparation of a PhD thesis with the final aim to obtain a PhD degree from the University of Antwerp. To a limited extent, you could contribute to academic teaching, for instance, assisting with practical classes.
Research group: Together with several other PhD students and post-doc researchers, you will work within an internationally oriented, multidisciplinary team of environmental scientists,within the Centre of Excellence on Global Change Ecology of the University of Antwerp (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/global-change-ecology/) and the Ecosphere research group (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/ecosphere/).
You will be guided by Prof. Stijn Temmerman and dr. Ken Schoutens (University of Antwerp) and other experienced researchers in the team, in close collaboration with Prof. Luis Dominguez and Prof. Indira Nolivos (ESPOL University, Ecuador) and an industrial partner who is actively monitoring the mangrove development site in Ecuador, dredging company Jan De Nul.
Profile
We are looking for a highly-motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Biology, Ecology, Bio-Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Physical Geography, Earth Sciences, or related disciplines. Or you will have obtained this MSc degree by the time you start the position (targeted start date as early as possible and the very latest by 1 September 2026), meaning that MSc students planning to graduate before 1 September 2026 are encouraged to apply for this PhD position.
The candidate has a strong interest in coastal and wetland systems and in nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, with motivation to work on vegetation–wave interactions. Prior knowledge of mangrove or wetland ecology, hydrodynamics, or sediment processes is beneficial but not required.
Experience or clear interest in experimental ecological research, quantitative data analysis, and statistics is strongly advised. Experience with geospatial analysis, remote sensing analysis, numerical modelling, or programming (e.g. R, Python) is considered beneficial.
Candidates should be capable of planning and organizing their own work independently, to organize and carry out experiments, and meet deadlines imposed by the project.
The candidate should be open and communicative, and keen on interacting with both end-users and interdisciplinary research team members.
The candidate should be inspired by frontier-applied research, where fundamental knowledge is developed, in order to provide a knowledge base for end users.
Good English oral and writing skills are demanded, as the candidate is expected to publish the findings in scientific journals and effectively communicate results to end-users.
Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
What we offer
We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, which after positive evaluation will be extended to a total period of four years.
The planned start date is as early as possible and the latest by the 1st of September 2026.
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
You will receive ecocheques, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including February 12 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
a motivation letter
your CV
contact information of max. 2 reference persons
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr. Ken Schoutens, e-mail: [email protected] or Prof. Stijn Temmerman, e-mail: [email protected].
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
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Looking at the influence of global changes on natural ecosystems.
