The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) plays a leading role in several important teaching programmes of the University of Amsterdam with a strong interdisciplinary component such as the Bachelor Future Planet Studies and the Master Earth Science. To strengthen the links between research and teaching, and in particular the underpinning of interdisciplinary teaching with interdisciplinary research, IBED is seeking to recruit an interdisciplinary tenure track assistant professor on the topic of Sustainability within the Food/Water/Energy (FWE) nexus.

Background

As humanity we find ourselves in a situation where a growing world population aspires to fulfil infinite ambitions on a finite planet. This is captured by the Planetary Boundaries concept that identifies several interlinked planetary systems where it postulates a safe operating space within which sustainable development is possible. Meeting Social Floors (as required by human rights law and the Sustainable Development Goals) may in itself lead to crossing planetary boundaries if technological and redistribution options are not adequately explored. Our food, water and energy systems are closely interlinked and directly coupled to multiple planetary boundaries and the Social Floors. The need for sustainable development within the FWE nexus is globally recognized. However, the necessity to steer clear of the planetary boundaries poses an enormous challenge to make such development truly sustainable and socially just.

The dynamics of ecosystems and human systems each have their own challenges in the context of sustainability in the FWE nexus, but the interaction of both systems is especially of relevance. From an earth scientific / ecological perspective we need to understand biogeochemical cycles in soil and water, and quantify the effects of land-use change thereon. From a governance perspective, we need to understand what social, economic, ecological, institutional and other drivers shape behavioural patterns and what kinds of policy mixes can best address these drivers at multiple levels of governance.

What are you going to do?

You will perform cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of ecosystems and human systems focusing on the challenging road towards sustainability within the food, water and energy systems. Based on the background of the candidate, the emphasis may lie on one of the three systems or, preferably, combine them. The work ideally combines field and laboratory work with theoretical analysis and modelling using systems’ thinking and/or complexity science approaches.

The described interdisciplinary research will form the foundation of an extensive research-based interdisciplinary teaching portfolio within the Bachelor Future Planet Studies and the Master Earth Science, with minor contributions to other relevant programmes. This will include project courses where students gain their first experience with performing their own interdisciplinary research projects within the FWE nexus, as well as theoretical courses that form the foundation for such projects.

Furthermore, you are expected to:

• develop an extensive research-based interdisciplinary teaching portfolio within the Bachelor Future Planet Studies and the Master Earth Science, with minor contributions to other relevant programmes;
• publish in high level international journals, present at leading conferences and supervise PhD students;
• attract external funding to sustain and expand the research line;
• actively pursue collaborations with relevant stakeholders inside and outside academia.

A more detailed job description can be found here.

What do we require?

• A PhD in an interdisciplinary topic within the food/water/energy nexus that combines a strong earth sciences and/or ecological component with a substantial contribution from the relevant social sciences; and a demonstrated track record of contributing to collaborative interdisciplinary projects outside of the candidate’s main domain of research;
• specific experience with the appropriate disciplinary as well as inter- and transdisciplinary research methodologies from both the earth sciences/ecology and the social sciences, including experience in an international context;
• a relevant network in the field and experience in acquisition of research funding;
• high affinity with university teaching, and the development and organization thereof, including specific experience with interdisciplinary teaching within the food/water/energy nexus;
• experience with supervising BSc, MSc and PhD students;
• excellent communication skills, including excellent writing skills and a growing scientific publication record;
• fluency in English and in Dutch, or willing to learn Dutch to a level appropriate for teaching in Bachelor programmes taught in Dutch;
• a driven personality and a good team-player who can serve as role model for students as well as junior lecturers and junior researchers.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 32 to 38 hours per week with a tenure track agreement for the duration of five years (which is part of a six-year temporary contract). The intention of the tenure is a permanent appointment as Associate professor level 2 after 5 years with intermediate promotion to Assistant professor Level 1. In case of  an insufficient evaluation the contract will end after 6 years.

The starting salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and depending on experience and qualifications. It will range from a minimum €3,746 to €5,127 (scale 11) gross per month (salary scale) based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. This is exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science - Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 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 (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science. 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.