About Naturalis

Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity and systematics. We host over 120 researchers including 15 academia embedded professors, 50 PhD students and 20 postdoctoral fellows. We closely collaborate with many Dutch universities, research institutes, industry, and government. With our collection of 43 million specimens, one of the world's largest natural history collections, and our state-of-the-art research facilities we offer the (inter)national research infrastructure for species identification and monitoring (for example in the ARISE and eDentity projects). We present the history of our planet, and the diversity of life on Earth, through permanent and temporary museum exhibitions, educational programmes, and online presence, with more than 400,000 visitors per year. All in all, a unique combination of science and culture in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world! 

Are you an early-career researcher looking for a new opportunity to contribute to the science that is needed to understand the state of biodiversity and how human activities affect biodiversity? Would you like to join a friendly and open environment where you can develop your skills and learn new things? Then this vacancy may be for you. You will be based at Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the NL Biodiversity and Society research group. You will develop guidance, tools, and a roadmap for their EU-wide implementation of pollinator monitoring projects using novel technologies.

Position

As pollinator declines continue to threaten food security, economy, and ecosystems, the EU Pollinators Initiative has prioritised the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring system. ANTENNA seeks to address gaps in pollinator monitoring by advancing innovative technologies, such as robotics, computer vision and molecular methods, to enhance monitoring efficiency and accuracy. The project goal is to complement existing monitoring schemes and provide transnational pipelines for curated datasets and enhanced indicators, supporting pollinator-relevant policies and end-users.

The envisioned post-doctoral candidate will lead the development and implementation of strategies to integrate novel monitoring technologies into existing pollinator monitoring schemes. Core tasks include:

(i) Leading the development of a framework, data standards and pipelines for integrating diverse data streams into large-scale monitoring programmes. 

(ii) Improving existing tools and pipelines to automate pollinator specimen management. 

(iii) Collaborating with project partners to design a roadmap for European-wide pollinator monitoring.

(iv) Engaging stakeholders through co-design, field testing, and iterative refinement processes. Including policy-makers, authorities and practitioners, end-users, expert communities and the wider public

The project will be carried out in the NL Biodiversity and Society Research Group of Naturalis, which focuses on biodiversity monitoring, patterns of change and solutions for the future.

General requirements and skills

We are looking for a Postdoctoral candidate with:

• a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (biology, environmental science) and a strong interest in biodiversity change
• proven experience with biodiversity monitoring pipelines, bioinformatics and/or biodiversity modelling techniques
• experience with stakeholder engagement in biodiversity related projects
• an understanding of European biodiversity policy
• good publication record and experience writing reports
• good team worker with a strong desire to develop their skills further

Excellent knowledge of the English language (written and verbal) is essential, as well as a scientific and critical attitude, outstanding time management and organisational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the research groups. The candidate should have good communication and academic writing skills.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, with extension possibility.

We offer

A contract (36 hours per week) for a period of one year, to be possibly extended until the end of the project (March 2027) after a successful first year evaluation, and a monthly starting salary between eur 3.468,- and eur 4.506,-. The successful candidate will be employed by Naturalis in Leiden. Naturalis Biodiversity Center offers an inspiring working atmosphere with effective and efficient career development for postdocs. Our Research Coordination Office also provides ample support to our scientific staff. Our institute promotes gender equality and wants to enhance the diversity of staff members. Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Koos Biesmeijer (koos.biesmeijer@naturalis.nl) or Dr. Leon Marshall (Leon.marshall@naturalis.nl) with questions about the position. For procedural questions related to the application please contact HR: sollicitaties@naturalis.nl.

Procedure

Please address your application to Prof. Dr. Koos Biesmeijer and submit it, using the application button, no later than 3 May 2024. (Online) interviews will be held in May. Applicants are invited to submit their application in one pdf, including:

• Motivation letter (max 2 pages), explaining your motivation for the position and your competences
• CV including qualifications, grades, a list of academic publications, and two academic references supporting your application

Naturalis endorses the Cultural Diversity Code. In the case of equal suitability, preference is given to the candidate who reinforces diversity within the team.

We drafted this vacancy to find and hire our new colleague ourselves. Recruitment agencies are kindly requested to refrain from responding.