Are you an experienced Evolutionary behavioral ecologist, who is interested in working in an inter-disciplinary research institute focused on biology, earth sciences, ecology, physical geography and environmental chemistry that has well-equipped lab and computational facilities? Then this might be a great position for you!

We are looking for an Associate professor in Evolutionary behavioral ecology.

The focus of the research area is Evolutionary behavioral ecology: from individual responses to population dynamics.

The position will be embedded in IBED's Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology (EPB).

Research profile:

This era of climate change and increasing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems requires a thorough understanding of the resilience and eco-evolutionary dynamics of organisms in their environments, ranging from individual responses to species interactions at different trophic levels. We are looking for a senior researcher whose research focuses on behavioral ecology in an evolutionary context, to gain insights in how changing environments affect behaviors of individuals and what are the population dynamic consequences of such changes across generations. Such insights are needed to predict how organisms can adapt in relation to other organisms, ranging from antagonistic to mutualistic interactions, and stressful abiotic factors, such as drought and pollution. We are particularly interested in researchers who conduct experimental lab- and field-based research that is attractive to a wide range of students, and use mathematical and statistical approaches to interpret field data.

Because IBED consists of unique collaborations between ecologists, molecular biologists, evolutionary biologists, and earth- and environmental scientists, and our teaching at all levels is research-based, we strive to hire a senior researcher who is excited about teaching courses and taking leading roles in not only our Biology curricula, but also in Psychobiology and possibly other curricula across faculties (e.g. Biomedical Sciences). Therefore, we are looking for someone with ample experience in designing and coordinating courses and curricula at the BSc and MSc level, whereby biological knowledge is integrated and embedded in broader contexts, such as psychology, economics and biomedical sciences.

What are you going to do?

In the field of research you will, among other things, be involved in:

• Biological research within the area of your academic specialisation, leading to publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and contributing to the development of a long-term research strategy of the research group, the department and the Institute.
• Engage fully with the collaborative ethos of IBED, encouraging and fostering collaborations between academic colleagues of other departments within IBED, the University of Amsterdam and elsewhere in the Netherlands and abroad. Collaborations with non-academic stakeholders is also highly appreciated.
• Obtain funding from national and international sources.

Teaching responsibilities:

• Contributes to teaching and further development in the BSc-programs Biology, Psychobiology, the MSc-tracks Ecology and Evolution and the new Master track Evolution of Behavior and Mind.
• Contribute to leading roles in the teaching programs.
• Develop teaching in both fieldwork based and laboratory education the field of Evolutionary behavioral ecology, preferably also across faculties.
• Supervision of research project of BSc and MSc students.

The candidate is expected to spend ~40% to research, ~40% to teaching and ~20% of your time on organizational tasks within the institute.

• A PhD in the field of evolutionary behavioral ecology;
• A thriving line of research that is internationally well recognized;
• Expertise in an area of research that aligns with the overall research theme of our department, reflected by (among others) your publication record;
• Enthusiasm for and dedication to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Ample experience in developing and coordinating courses at BSc and MSc level;
• Proven capacity for outreach to and engagement with wider society in relation to research;
• Fluency and excellent communication in English, both written and spoken;
• Willingness to learn the Dutch language (Dutch courses are supported by the Institute).

A temporary contract for 38 hours a week for the duration of 18 months. The position will be permanent, subject to a positive evaluation of your performance during this initial 18-month temporary appointment.

The position will start at the level of Associate Professor (Universitair Hoofddocent).

Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between € 5,506 to € 6,702 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance.

A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

The preferred starting date is 1 May 2023, but this is flexible and depending on your availability.

The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Faculty of Science

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 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.