Two senior researchers: community ecology & biodiversity in a changing world NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

What you will be doing

In the department of Terrestrial Ecology, we study ecosystems on land in a changing world. We focus on organisms living above- and belowground to understand, predict and mitigate the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and land-use change on species, species interactions, communities and ecosystem processes.

To strengthen our team, we seek to hire two senior researchers working on biodiversity restoration or responses of communities and ecosystem functions to global change, with at least one of the positions focussing on plant or insect community ecology.

As a senior researcher you are expected to have and further develop your own research line that is connected to the research in the department of Terrestrial Ecology and the research themes of NIOO-KNAW (i.e., climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable use of land and water). You will lead a team of researchers (PhDs, postdocs, technicians) to initiate, conduct and coordinate research. You will acquire research funding, publish in scientific journals, reach out to a wider audience and make scientific and societal impact with your work.

Within our department, we are inclusive of a variety in research backgrounds. We value collaboration and stimulate each other to share and connect knowledge and research within the team, department, NIOO, and the national and international research landscape. You will play an active role in fostering this way of working within the department and institute and contribute to the research field nationally and internationally.

What you will be contributing

With your knowledge, background and curiosity, you will provide a novel contribution to the research in the department of terrestrial ecology. We are specifically looking for candidates working on (1) restoration or conservation of biodiversity or (2) understanding and predicting responses of communities or ecosystem functions to global change. We are also open to candidates with another interesting research focus.

We expect you to identify yourself with the core values that are central to NIOO: collaborative, impactful, innovative, responsible and inclusive. You will lead your team in an empowering and appreciative way to inspire your team members and support their development. Your open attitude allows you to develop yourself, build collaborations and contribute to a safe and inclusive working environment.

You must have:

• A PhD degree in the field of ecology, biodiversity or a related field
• A proven scientific track record
• Demonstrable success in obtaining research funding
• Experience in leading a team
• Commitment to your future research having a basis in the Netherlands, with an international perspective
• Ability to speak (or willingness to learn) Dutch

What do we offer?

Two one-year positions (1.0 FTE) in the dynamic department of Terrestrial Ecology; after which both positions can become permanent. Working hours can be discussed to facilitate an optimal work-life balance (0.8 – 1,0 FTE).

In case you are still on your way of becoming a senior researcher and when the position sparks your interest, but you do not meet all requirements yet, feel welcome to apply, because we have the possibility to start one of the positions as a tenure track.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €5.495 and the maximum salary is €7.056 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 12 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

You will be working at the department of Terrestrial Ecology, consisting of a dynamic and collaborative group of researchers from diverse backgrounds. We aim to understand, predict, and mitigate the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and land use change in terrestrial ecosystems. Our research focuses on interactions among plants, microbes, and (in)vertebrates, in the soil and aboveground. Our approach is conceptual-experimental, and ranges from evolutionary adaptation to community interactions and ecosystem processes.

The NIOO has excellent collaborative facilities, ranging from biochemical and molecular laboratories to high quality indoor and outdoor growth facilities, soil ecotrons, long-term databases and experimental field sites.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.