Faculteit/Dienst: Faculteit der Natuurw., Wiskunde & Informatica
Opleidingsniveau: Universiteit
Functie type: Wetenschappelijk Personeel
Sluitingsdatum: 30 september 2022
Vacaturenummer: 10241
Introduction
Are you fascinated by using “big data” to detect and quantify environmental risks associated with global and local change? Do you enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team? To strengthen scientific expertise and educational delivery, the Department of Ecosystem & Landscape Dynamics, within the Institute for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Dynamics (https://ibed.uva.nl), are seeking to recruit an expert in the development and implementation of state-of-the-art techniques in geo-spatial analysis of environmental risks. The successful applicant will work in a inter/transdisciplinary way to quantify environmental risks and the resulting consequences. In terms of technical skills, we are seeking an expert in data-driven quantitative methods to address challenges on the nexus of humans and their environment, and strengthen research capacities in evaluating environmental and societal risks through geospatial modelling, (spatial) big data analysis, and participatory research in addressing cutting-edge complex Earth and environmental science problems.
For further details see full job profile: Job profile
What are you going to do?
The successful candidate will deliver high quality, innovative, education to BSc and MSc students on environmental risks and geo-spatial data analysis. They will also develop a cutting-edge research line related to environmental risks and geo-spatial data analysis that integrates both abiotic and biotic components of the Earth-system. Dependent on the expertise of the candidate, the emphasis may lie on different temporal and spatial scales, e.g. on a regional, continental or global scale; or combine across them. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an ability, and enthusiasm, to collaborate with experts already within the institute generating empirical data on related subjects.
You are expected to:
- Publish in high level international journals, present at leading conferences, and supervise PhD researchers.
- Contribute to the development and execution of world-leading research into the consequences of global change in the Department of Ecosystem & Landscape Dynamics (ELD) and other departments with the Institute for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Dynamics.
- Attract external funding to sustain and expand your research line.
- Contribute to education within the MSc Earth Sciences (ES) and the BSc Future Planet Studies (FPS) programs, specifically by taking a leading role developing and enhancing the Human-Environment Interactions course.
- Contribute to the cross-disciplinary MSc minor “Science for Sustainability”, alongside more social science facing colleagues.
- Supervise research projects and literature reviews at BSc and MSc levels.
- Actively pursue collaborations with relevant stakeholders inside and outside academia.
The overall balance of the work load for this position will be approximately 40% education, 40% research, and 20% administration; although in the initial stages of appointment (first 1-2 years) if necessary, time will also be allocated for learning Dutch. The educational component will include the delivery of educational material, coordination of courses, and the supervision of BSc and MSc student projects. The research component will include conducting research, writing and submission of manuscripts and grants, and the supervision of PhD researchers. The administrative component will include organizational roles within the institute, such as participation in hiring committees or as a department representative on an internal committee. It is envisaged that over the medium term (c. 4-5 years) the successful candidate will develop their career by obtaining an advanced educational qualification (such as the SKO) and become an educational leader within the organization. This trajectory will include taking up educationally focused administrative roles, such as becoming the co-ordination of an MSc track and/or a member of an examination board. In the longer term the successful candidate may rise to become the director of one of our educational programs.
What do you have to offer?
The successful candidate for this position will have:
- A PhD in using geo-spatiotemporal data in environmental risk analysis, or a closely related field.
- A track record of publishing in international peer reviewed journals and obtaining external research funding.
- Experience of delivering and coordinating university education on environmental risks and geo-spatial data analysis and in computational skills.
- Experience of supervision of BSc, MSc and/or PhD researchers.
- A qualification in university education (equivalent to the Dutch “University Teaching Qualification” BKO); or willing to obtain the BKO within the first 1-2 years of appointment.
- Fluency in English and in Dutch; or the ability to learn Dutch to a level appropriate for teaching (C1) in Bachelor and Masters programs within the first two years.
- A collaborative outlook on science and be able to demonstrate how they can link with the ELD (IBED) team.
- A driven personality who can serve as a role model for students as well as junior lecturers and junior researchers.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 30-38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is early 2023. A permanent contract follows if we assess your performance positive at the end of the 12 month period.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3.974,- to € 5.439,- (scale 11). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Assistant Professor (UD2) is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
- multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
- a complete educational program for PhD students;
- multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
- multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
- 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
- partly paid parental leave;
- the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
- a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
- the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
- help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
About us
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Head of Department, Prof. dr. William D. Gosling, [email protected]
T: +31 (0)20 525 7821
Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 September 2022.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a letter of motivation;
- a short teaching statement (<750 words);
- a short research statement (<750 words);
- a list of publications.
The interview will include an example lecture (30-minutes) given to a general audience, including students, and a panel interview. At the start of the panel interview you will be asked to give a 10-minute presentation outlining your key scientific interests and your fit to IBED and ELD.
Please include in your submission contact details of three academic referees, and if it is OK to approach them now for a reference.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
The interviews will be held during October and November 2022 in Amsterdam.
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.
If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.
No agencies please.
