Senior researcher microclimate ecology

Department: Department of Biology
Regime Full-time

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The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) senior researcher in the field of microclimate ecology.

Position

• We are looking for a full-time database manager for the SoilTemp database (soiltempproject.com ), the worlds’ largest database of microclimate and associated biodiversity data.
• We are offering a 1,5 year position for this in the framework of the BiodivERsA+-project ‘ForestWeb 3.0 ’.
• Your initial tasks consist of streamlining and finetuning the database, processing submissions and, overall, making everything robust, flexible and usable.
• Additionally, you will help make the SoilTemp-database fair and easy-access. You’ll support the open-access publication of the database and help create RShiny-apps to facilitate data submission and data usage to make the database more user-friendly.
• You’ll collaborate with the partners in ForestWeb 3.0 to link up the database with remotely-stored datasets through the blockchain, to increase trust, transparency and control of the data, and to allow real-time data submission through Internet-of-Things (IoT-)connected sensors.
• You’ll join the core team behind the SoilTemp database and help it grow further into ‘SoilTemp 2.0’.
• You’ll be part of one of the largest international networks in ecology, and have a say in how it develops towards the future.
• While the focus of the position is on data management, there will be several opportunities to collaborate on global research papers on microclimate and its application in ecology stemming from the SoilTemp-database.

Profile

• You hold a PhD degree in ecology, climatology or data science in general. Candidates with a master degree only, yet significant relevant experience, are also encouraged to apply.
• You have worked with large (climatological and/or ecological) datasets and can provide examples of these in your cv and motivation letter.
• You are fluent in R and have experience with relational databases (SQL).
• We strongly encourage international researchers to apply.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You can work in a group as well as on your own initiative.
• You have good written and spoken communication skills. You can speak and write fluently in English.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have attention for detail and strive for perfection in data management. You understand the importance of FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) in data, and equality in global research.

What we offer

• We offer a contract as a senior researcher for a period of 1,5 years.
• The planned start date is March 1st , 2024  or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale  for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP), in line with your highest degree.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including January 17th (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • the names of two potential references
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Jonas Lembrechts, [email protected] .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.