The Department of Earth Sciences of Utrecht University has a 2-year postdoctoral position to develop and explore models for biogeochemical cycling in mushroom beds.  In the NWO-TTW-funded project 'Traffic Control', the Departments of Earth Sciences and Biology of Utrecht University collaborate to elucidate energy and nutrient flows from compost to mushrooms and other micro-organisms. The postdoc will join a team of two PhD students and another postdoc with the task to develop models to quantify carbon and nutrient flows. There are possibilities for experimental research to further elucidate the processes involved.
You will be working within the geochemistry group which focuses on the geochemistry of the earth’s surface. The group combines field data with experimental, modeling and theoretical approaches to elucidate biogeochemical cycles and mineral transformations along the aquatic continuum, e.g. from weathering of rocks to biogeochemistry of deep-sea sediments. We investigate (bio)geochemical processes from the nanometer to the global scale and utilize the geological record to better project earth surface conditions in the future.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc holding a PhD degree at the start of the project. You have excellent understanding of soil sciences, biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences or a related field. You should have experience with mathematical modeling. Moreover, you have the ability to work in a multidisciplinary, international environment. Good English oral and writing skills are essential.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for the duration of two years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,123 and €3,637 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

Facilities for sports and child care are available on our main campus (where the Department of Earth Sciences is situated), which is located only 15 minutes away from the historical city centre of Utrecht.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

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 Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across the full range of the solid earth and environmental earth sciences, with activities in almost all areas of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, biogeology and hydrogeology. The department hosts a highly international group of more than 100 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and houses a wide variety of world-class laboratories.