Postdoc on Material Stock Analysis of construction in the Global South at the Industrial Ecology Dep

Updated: 4 months ago
Deadline: 31 Dec 2023

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The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML and Faculty of Science is looking for:

Postdoc on Material Stock Analysis of construction in the Global South at the Industrial Ecology Department
Vacancy number: 14414

Key responsibilities
* Note that there is also a separate call for PhD candidate in this project.

We are seeking an exceptional Postdoc researcher to join our team at Leiden University's CML Institute of Environmental Sciences. This post-doc will be part of the research project Materials-GRoWL: Gauging the Rest-of-the-World’s Lifecycles of construction materials, funded by the ERC (European Research Council). Materials-GRoWL will assess the current and future construction material uses that compose human settlements of the Global South, which is sometimes indiscreetly aggregated as the Rest of the World (RoW) in global studies.

Within the project, the post-doc will work closely with Ass. Prof. Tomer Fishman and others to develop the methods, data, and analytical frameworks to overcome the severe challenges that held back the study of construction material use in the Global South. The post-doc will is expected to:

  • Produce high-resolution construction material data in cities, countries , and regions of the Global South and link these to the societal services and human needs they provide.
  • Compare future construction material use developments of buildings and infrastructure under a suite of different socioeconomic and wellbeing pathways.
  • Identify and quantify environmental and socioeconomic risks imposed on and by construction material accumulation.
  • Manage project data and networks.
  • Support PhD students of this project.

This position calls for skills and motivation to help substantially reduce the gap in our understanding of construction material lifecycles in some so-far neglected parts of the world, in high resolution and detail, with emphasis on the local characteristics of individual countries. You will be based in Leiden, with occasional international trips for research purposes.

Selection Criteria
If you meet all of the following requirements, we look forward to receiving your application:

  • A PhD in Industrial Ecology or related field.
  • Proven experience with all of the following: Material Flow Analysis (MFA) with a focus on material stocks and dynamic MFA models, assessment and modeling of buildings’ materials contents, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), prospective scenarios or forecasting models, programming skills (e.g. Python or other languages), and statistical analysis, all preferably applied on the topic of construction materials and buildings.
  • Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), socioeconomic metabolism, and sustainable wellbeing paradigms.
  • Proficiency in handling large (geospatial) datasets are valued.
  • Great interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and successful research planning, embracing diverse ideas and perspectives.
  • Excellent English language skills and strong social and communication abilities are crucial for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

Research at our faculty
The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability, with a multidecade record of leading the field of industrial ecology in Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Analysis, and Environmental Input-Output Analysis. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 140 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.800 staff and almost 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science . Information about CML can be found at www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences .

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time one year position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The salary range for a Postdoc € 3.226 - € 5.090 (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website. Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Tomer Fishman ([email protected] ).

Applications
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number: 14414

  • A CV.
  • A motivation letter.
  • Name and contact details of at least two referees.

Only applications received before the 31st of December 2023 will be considered. Interviews will take place in the week of the 15th of January 2024.

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