Postdoctoral Fellow In Spectroscopy

Have you completed your PhD? Are you eager to enrich knowledge on biodiversity as a postdoc? Then Naturalis in Leiden is the place for you.
Pursuing a postdoc at Naturalis means working on research with a truly global impact — contributing directly to biodiversity. With state-of-the-art museum collections and lab facilities, many inspiring colleagues, and access to our international network, Naturalis offers everything you need to strengthen your career as a scientist.

As a postdoctoral fellow in Spectroscopy 

• You will conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of BioImaging, BioOptics, and seaweed ecology for species recognition with collection material.
• You will develop a multimodal workflow on integrating hyperspectral imaging, X-ray fluorescence, and RGB images.
• You will be given ample opportunity to apply for funding and grants in collaboration with Naturalis researchers and partners to further your research. You will receive strong support, with access to our dedicated Research Coordination Office.

This is what you'll be doing
As a postdoctoral fellow within the research group Marine Biodiversity, you will develop and validate a multimodal bioimaging workflow that connects sensor measurements with their biological meaning. The model will combine RGB images, hyperspectral imaging, and X-ray fluorescence mapping of herbarium specimens from the Naturalis collection. A central challenge will be calibrating and spatially co-registering these complementary imaging and sensor modalities, enabling spectral properties, elemental distributions, and quantitative morphological characteristics to be studied within the same specimens. Using seaweed as a case study, you will investigate how the resulting multimodal data can support species identification, the characterization of morphological variation, and the spatial analysis of heavy metal accumulation. Alongside shaping this research, you will actively share your discoveries through scientific publications and international presentations. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to mentor students and contribute to teaching, fostering the next generation of biodiversity scientists.

Here's what we have to offer
The salary ranges from €3,768 to €4,897 gross per month (based on a full-time contract of 36 hours/week), depending on relevant experience. A one-year contract, full-time (36 hours/week). End-of-year bonus of 3.4% of your gross annual salary and 8% holiday pay. Time off thanks to 27 days of leave per year with full-time employment. Plus 1 extra day that you can use for a holiday that is important to you. Commuting allowance depending on your means of transport. Pension scheme via PFZW, where Naturalis pays 60% of your premium. Plenty of development opportunities. We support your growth and give you unlimited access to the online training platform Goodhabitz. Fascinating knowledge events. These help you stay up to date on the latest developments in both your own field and outside it, such as our lectures and gatherings on various (scientific) topics. You can also attend – or take part in – the fascinating internal information session Naturalis Draait Door. Laptop and phone allowance. Nice extras such as discounts on software for private use, collective health insurance plans, and a bicycle scheme. You’ll also enjoy discounts in our museum restaurant and unlimited free access to our award-winning museum for you and your family. Fun team outings. We also get together for drinks every month, organize an annual BBQ, and a fantastic New Year's party. Not your scene? That's fine too, of course. All team activities are voluntary. A unique work environment in a state-of-the-art building where you will feel proud to work every single day – we guarantee it!

The world lies at your feet!
Literally. Whatever your role may be, you contribute to the preservation of our planet on a daily basis. Naturalis Biodiversity Center

• is the national research and knowledge institute and a key player in biodiversity data and infrastructures.
• houses one of the largest natural history collections in the world.
• welcomes 500,000 museum visitors per year.
• collaborates with universities, expertise centers, and museums around the world.
• has a staff of diverse colleagues in various functions and with many different nationalities, with whom you will work together in an informal atmosphere.

This is your team
You will be part of the research group Marine Biodiversity where you will work with Rita Pucci (computer scientist) and Luna van der Loos (seaweed biologist and taxonomist). You will also be part of our PhD and postdoc community — a close-knit group of around 50 PhD candidates and postdocs with whom you can share experiences and participate in training sessions, workshops, and peer review meetings. And of course, for those interested, there are plenty of social activities outside of work as well.

What you bring to the table
You have a passion for biodiversity, optics, and bioimaging, with experience in bridging these interdisciplinary fields.

You are capable of conducting independent research, working in an organized manner, and structuring your approach effectively. At the same time, you know when to seek help when necessary. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues and external partners, and you actively maintain both your internal and external networks. You are skilled at identifying opportunities and engaging others with your ideas. Additionally, you can translate complex topics into compelling narratives, making them accessible even to those outside of the scientific community.

In addition, you have:

• A completed PhD degree with expertise in computational sciences, life sciences, or a related discipline, ideally with a strong foundation in optics and bioimaging analysis.
• Proven skills in physical optics, hyperspectral imaging, camera calibration, spectroscopy, and bioimaging data analysis.
• Experience in publishing and disseminating research findings via scientific publications, lectures, conference presentations, or teaching.
• Strong proficiency in English.

Become our new postdoctoral fellow

• Upload your CV and motivation letter, including the contact details of two referees in one PDF via the application button no later than 9th September, 2026 CEST.
• The interviews for the shortlisted candidates will take place on the 16th September 2026.
• Want to know more about the position before you apply? Send an email to willem.renema@naturalis.nl.
• For more information about the application procedure, you can send an email to our colleagues in the HR department via sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.

We are managing the recruitment for this vacancy ourselves; unsolicited acquisition is therefore not desired.