Are you an experienced researcher in biogeochemical cycling, particularly in the context of land-use and climate change? We are looking for a long-term colleague who can emphasize the earth sciences dimension in our focus on ecological and evolutionary aspects of carbon, nutrient and water cycling to help understand and solve pressing environmental issues related to human activities on planet Earth.
The Systems Ecology section (one of two Ecology and Evolution groups in A-LIFE) has an internationally recognized strong track record in biogeochemistry, biodiversity, plant trait ecology and microbial ecology. Burning environmental and societal issues, like global climate change, land-use and nitrogen deposition, are an integral part of this research. Crossing these themes, we have been on the international forefront of research on peatlands from temperate to polar regions. We also work on land management and the policies needed to safeguard these unique ecosystems, and their carbon storage and climate change mitigation function, into the future. We like to to strengthen and expand this research field in our section. In particular, we are looking for someone who will study the microbial and biophysical mechanisms underpinning carbon and nutrient dynamics in peatlands.
The position entails about 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% management (e.g. via heading a teaching or research related committee). You are expected to teach and coordinate courses in the bachelor curriculum Biology (which has been rated Top Curriculum at the national level for six years running) as well as in the MSc Ecology and Evolution curriculum, which is shared between Vrije Universiteit and University of Amsterdam. In addition you will supervise BSc and MSc students in their research thesis projects.
If you are interested in this position, we would like you to include a concise research statement and teaching statement (each max. 1.5 pages) in your application materials. In the research statement, please identify and present how your research plans will contribute to the research portfolio of the section Systems Ecology as well as to that of A-LIFE. In the teaching statement please reflect on your teaching vision and explain how you might contribute to the teaching in the above-mentioned curricula.
Your duties
- lead and execute scientific research projects, and publish in high quality journals
- develop a primarily externally-funded research programme in your research field
- develop and promote academic leadership
- teach BSc and MSc courses related to ecology and biogeochemistry, environmental changes and management, biodiversity and ecosystem services
- provide high quality training and supervision to PhD students and postdocs
- supervise MSc and BSc student projects
- take up the position of internship coordinator of the joint VU-UvA Ecology and Evolution master
- engage in professional development activities related to teaching