Senior Researcher

Metabolic’s mission is to transition the global economy to a fundamentally sustainable state.

We advise governments, businesses, and NGOs on how to adapt to a fast-changing global context. Combining systems thinking and data science, we map and understand local and global systems to assess where to intervene and develop solutions that can dramatically shift how the economy functions.

We are an international and dynamic team of around 100 people who share an ambition for catalyzing a sustainable future. Based in the Netherlands, we work at the cutting edge of sustainability initiatives for a broad range of global clients and partners.

Within the Metabolic ecosystem, the Institute is a non-profit think tank, working at the intersection of academic research and real-world experimentation. The think tank advances open-source knowledge on global sustainability issues, by prototyping how society can thrive while remaining safely within the bounds of the planet. Combining systems thinking, data science, and the latest analytical tools from academia, we map and understand local and global systems to assess where to intervene for the largest positive impact. Our research work covers two main topic areas, circular & net-zero cities and the bioeconomy. 


The Institute Bioeconomy Team focuses its scientific research on the challenges and solutions surrounding circular bioeconomic value chains, regenerative bioregions, and the global bioeconomy. To do so, we develop models, analytical frameworks, and guiding principles that are based on the latest scientific knowledge and can be openly accessed and leveraged by others. We work collaboratively with other organizations to co-create, test, and implement these assets, helping to develop pathways that ultimately support the design of regenerative and circular bioregions, and transition global value chains towards a regenerative economy. 

• 5+ years of research experience, preferably with involvement in EU or other publicly-funded research projects. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English. 
• Strong background in research, with an emphasis on data analysis (GIS, data science) and methodologies in sustainability, bioeconomy, agriculture, forestry, or nature-based solutions. 
• Proficient in topics related to sustainability, agriculture, forestry, carbon quantification, or other related fields. 
• Well-organized and proactive, with a keen attention to detail. 
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks and workflows independently.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in cross-disciplinary research teams and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Passion for sustainability, climate change, and social issues, demonstrated through previous work or research.
• Enjoys working on complex, challenging research projects as part of an enthusiastic and diverse team.
• Experience working with European research consortia or international research projects.
• For non-EU/EEA applicants: The role is dependent upon possessing or obtaining a visa to live and work in the Netherlands. The Institute is a recognized visa sponsor and may support the successful candidate’s application for a work visa.

Be part of a dynamic and ambitious research team that is passionate about sustainability and making an impact in the emerging bioeconomy research spaces. Collaborate and work alongside world-class experts in the fields of sustainability and circularity across our ecosystem of companies. We are growing fast and are very passionate about changing the world together.

This opportunity will place you in an environment that values people with their own ideas and initiatives. We believe in flat hierarchies, shared decision-making, and impact over profit. You will be able to participate in an evolving decentralized governance system and be part of a close-knit community of people with shared interests and a strong company culture. 

We are based in Amsterdam, but operate a hybrid working model, giving you the freedom to work both at home and at our vibrant office in Amsterdam.  The people and relationship-oriented nature of this role requires you to work in Amsterdam at our offices several days per week.

The position is full-time, with a start in January 2025.