Moss Traits and Fire Ignition PhD

Project Overview

About the Position

Wageningen University & Research is investigating how moss traits influence fire ignition in peatlands and tundra. The doctorate connects plant ecology with the changing fire vulnerability of high-latitude ecosystems.

Research Position Overview

Measure moss ignitability in laboratory experiments, undertake high-latitude fieldwork and connect observations with remote sensing and global vegetation databases. The work is based in Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, within the Vegetation–Climate Feedbacks research area.

Research Areas

Moss functional traits
Fire ignition
Peatland
Tundra

Funding and Duration

Employment and financial support

Component	Details
Position	PhD researcher
Salary	€3,204–€4,051 gross per month for a 38-hour working week, increasing with doctoral year.
Duration	Four years, full-time (38 hours per week): initial 18-month contract, extended subject to satisfactory progress.
Programme / host support	Salaried doctoral employment in the host research group identified in the official vacancy.
Benefits	8.3% year-end bonus and pension arrangements; other benefits follow the university employment conditions.

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic preparation and appointment conditions

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Worldwide applicants may be considered subject to academic eligibility, recruitment checks and the stated appointment conditions.
Academic preparation	MSc in ecology, environmental science, climate science or a related subject.
Research skills	Experimental design, quantitative ecological research and willingness to conduct fieldwork; fire-research experience is an advantage.
Language	English at C1 level.

Application dates

Recruitment dates and location

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open when verified against the official source
Deadline	2 November 2026
Start date	Not specified in the vacancy.
Location	Wageningen, Netherlands

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

Application deadline: 2 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

CV: maximum two pages.
Motivation letter: maximum one page; combine the two documents within the three-page limit.
Complete the supplementary application form linked from the official vacancy.

Submit through the application system linked from the official vacancy. Follow its current document and translation instructions.

Selection and Contact

Online interviews are scheduled for 19 November and on-site interviews for 26 November 2026.

Research contact: Thomas Janssen, José van Paassen and Juul Limpens.

About Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research works across food, agriculture, environment and society. The vacancy identifies the specific chair group and supervisory team responsible for this project.

Official Link

Official vacancy reviewed on 15 October 2026. The employer’s current notice governs application requirements and employment terms.

Read the official vacancy and application instructions

Application guides

English language requirements

No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.

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Frequently asked questions

Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.

What is the deadline for PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands?

The application deadline is 2 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source gives neither a closing time nor a time zone.

Is PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands fully funded?

This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. €3,204/month.

Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands?

This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by Wageningen University & Research.

How do I apply for PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands?

Applications for PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands are submitted directly to Wageningen University & Research through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.

Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands?

The source does not state whether an English proficiency test is required for this listing — confirm the requirement (if any) with the provider before applying.

What study level does PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands offer?

This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.

Hosted by

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research is a Dutch institution focused on life sciences, agriculture, food and the environment. It combines university education with research addressing sustainable food systems and living environments. Its programmes and projects connect biological, environmental and social perspectives, supporting collaboration with academic institutions, industry and public organisations worldwide.

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PhD in Moss Traits and Fire Ignition in Peatland and Tundra Ecosystems at Wageningen, Netherlands