Biodiversity is increasingly recognized as a determinant of one's mental health. However, studies often rely on ecological designs, coarse environmental indicators, or use cross-sectional self-reported exposure measures, leaving critical questions about how biodiversity affects individuals unanswered.
The BIOPATH project addresses these challenges. We combine biodiversity indicators, such as species richness, habitat quality, and functional diversity, with nationwide individual-level health and population register data. Using cutting-edge methods, including remote sensing, species distribution models, and spatial mixed-effects models, BIOPATH will provide new insights into how biodiversity shapes population mental health.
As a PhD candidate, you will work at the exciting intersection of planetary health, environmental epidemiology, geospatial data science, and sustainability research. You will be embedded in a supportive, interdisciplinary team at Utrecht University, with dedicated supervision, access to world-class training programs, and the opportunity to publish in high-impact journals. You will leave not only with a PhD but with versatile skills in large-scale geospatial data analysis, register-based epidemiology, and ecological indicators — highly relevant in academia and the public sector.
Interested? Join us to turn rigorous science into real-world impact.
In this project you will:
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Develop high-resolution biodiversity indicators using high-resolution spatial biodiversity indicators linked to residential locations;
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Link biodiversity exposures to nationwide individual-level health and population register data such as CBS microdata;
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Conduct longitudinal and cross-sectional statistical analyses on biodiversity and mental health outcomes;
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Investigate pathways through which biodiversity may affect mental health, including physical activity, social cohesion, air pollution, and noise;
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Collaborate closely with researchers across sustainability science, health geography, epidemiology, and exposome science;
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Publish your findings in international scientific journals and present them at conferences and stakeholder meetings;
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Contribute to teaching activities and the broader Planetary Health community within the faculty.
You will be embedded in a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment with strong interdisciplinary supervision and access to advanced spatial and epidemiological infrastructures. The position offers excellent opportunities to develop expertise in spatial epidemiology, environmental health, biodiversity assessment, and population health research with societal relevance.
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious PhD candidate with a strong interest in planetary health, environmental epidemiology, biodiversity, and geospatial data science. You enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and are eager to advance the science of an emerging topic.
Your skills:
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Master’s degree in health sciences, epidemiology, geography, public health, environmental science, or a related field;
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Strong quantitative and analytical skills, preferably with experience in longitudinal statistical analysis;
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Experience with programming languages such as R or Python;
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Interest in planetary health, biodiversity, epidemiology, or human-environment interactions;
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team;
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Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Nice-to-have qualifications include:
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Experience with GIS, remote sensing, spatial epidemiology, or geospatial modeling;
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Familiarity with large-scale population data or registries;
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Experience working with ecological, environmental, or health-related data.
We offer:
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a position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of 4 years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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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 conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
The PhD student will be allocated at the Sustainable Development department. The Copernicus Institute is a leading interdisciplinary sustainability institute that combines environmental science, policy analysis, governance research, and systems modeling to understand and accelerate sustainability transitions.
For more information about this position, please contact Gabriela Matias de Pinho at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae including potential publication list, and a letter of motivation via the 'apply now' button.
The first round of interviews will take place in the first half of July 2026.
If you have an international (non-Dutch) Master’s diploma, you will be requested to provide your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas as well as the corresponding grade lists (in English) if you are selected for this position
Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
