Assistant Professor in Geomorphology and Tropical Landscape Evolution

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) at the University of Amsterdam is opening up several new positions to collaboratively further strengthen the research within the institute.
The research is carried out as a collaboration between the four research departments at IBED:

For one of the positions, embedded in the ELD department, we are looking for a new
Assistant Professor in Geomorphology and Tropical Landscape Evolution (0.8 – 1.0 FTE) focusing on an inter- and transdisciplinary way to quantify geomorphological processes linked to (tropical) landscape evolution.

We are looking for a candidate specialized in geomorphology and tropical landscape evolution who can develop an independent research and educational profile within the the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics (ELD). 

If this matches with your scientific profile and if you are interested in working in an inter-disciplinary institute focused on biology, earth sciences, ecology, physical geography and environmental chemistry that has well-equipped lab and computational facilities, then we would welcome your application!

Profile Assistant Professor (UD): Geomorphology and Tropical Landscape Evolution
Geomorphological processes are key in understanding short- and long-term changes of our planet’s surface. Geomorphological systems are strongly linked to the regulation of sediment flows and biogeochemical cycles, rapid responses of the critical zone to climate change, and natural hazards.  These processes operate at short- and long-term time scales, underpin landscape evolution, and are intertwined with the essential function of many of Earths systems, such as: tectonics, climate, the hydrosphere, soils, and vegetation, as well as land-useand other anthropogenic activities.   Within the tropics climatic driven intensification of geomorphological process can impact soil chemical, biological and climate process conditions. Changes in these conditions can have knock on effects on the regulation of water flow, erosion, sedimentation, rock weathering and leaching, microbial and fungal activity, soil production and loss, vegetation growth and fire vulnerability.   Overall, geomorphological processes and systems have a transformative impact on global geo- and bio-diversity and landscape evolution.

Introduction to the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics

The research will be embedded in the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics .
However, it is anticipated that the successful candidate would have the potential to develop linkages to other departments within IBED and elsewhere in the university.
Research in the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics focuses on improving our understanding of the functioning and dynamics of the abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems across landscapes through time. We employ observational, experimental, and modelling approaches, in the field and laboratory, qualitatively and quantitatively to reveal how ecosystems and landscapes function. We work across a wide range of spatial (local to continental) and time (up to millions of years) scales, and our research contributes to the wise use of environmental resources.
Research in our department spans four research disciplines: 

Research profile (~50% of the time)
The successful applicant will work in an inter- and transdisciplinary way to quantify geomorphological processes linked to tropical landscape evolution. In terms of technical skills, we are seeking an empirical scientist who has expertise in field based research at landscape scales, and related laboratory techniques in soil, sedimentary, plant material properties, as well as experience with GIS  and/or remote sensing techniques. Linkage to part of the ongoing research in biochemical cycling, climate and vegetation change, palaeoecology, geo-and biodiversity change and landscape ecological work is essential. In addition, the ideal candidate should be experienced and interested in connecting processes across broader spatiotemporal scales, possibly by means of modelling, and be eager to collaborate with adjacent research lines within ELD and other parts of IBED, such as ongoing research at geo-biodiversity at our TCE department. Various aspects of geomorphology, landscape evolution and (tropical) landscape ecology are taught at the Bachelor and Master level. To uphold the strong connection between scientific expertise and educational delivery in our department, we are seeking to recruit a candidate that will contribute in the development and implementation of state-of-the-art teaching techniques for theoretical and applied field courses. 

Education
On average, IBED staff contribute ~40% of their time to education, including lecturing and supervising of BSc and MSc students in one or more of the core programs we are involved in: BSc Future Planet studies, BSc Biological Sciences, MSc Earth Sciences, MSc Biological Sciences.

Key educational involvement
•    BSc Future Planet Studies (FPS): This interdisciplinary degree program brings together students from both natural science and social science backgrounds. The graduates are equipped with the skills to tackle fundamental environmental and societal problems, such as sustainability, climate change and biodiversity loss. The successful applicant for this position will contribute to, develop and enhance theoretical and applied (laboratory and field) courses where key aspects of geomorphology and landscape evolution are taught within the context of ecosystem functioning and human perturbation thereof, such as Toekomstperspectief voor de Aarde (Future perspectives for the Earth). In addition, an important role is foreseen in the supervision of individual Bachelor thesis research projects on topics related to the candidate’s expertise. For further information: https://www.uva.nl/programmas/bachelors/future-planet-studies/future-planet-studies.html

•    MSc Earth Sciences (ES): This scientific degree program is themed around global change, ecosystem functioning, and human-environment interactions, and attracts students from around the world. The aim of this degree program is to produce graduates who understand how the Earths complex systems function, how these processes have changed in the past, and what are the consequences of future change. The successful applicant for this position will be responsible for delivery and enhancement of theoretical and applied (laboratory and field) courses where geomorphology and landscape evolutions plays a key role, such as: Earth System Science and Field Course Geo-Ecological Systems. In addition, an important role is foreseen in the supervision of individual Master thesis research projects on topics related to the candidate’s expertise.  Once established at the University of Amsterdam the successful candidate would have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the educational programs, such as a as a track coordinator for the Earth System Science track.
For further information: https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/masters/earth-science/earth-sciences.html

What are you going to do?

The successful candidate will develop a cutting-edge research line related to geomorphology and landscape evolution across spatiotemporal scales. They will also deliver high quality, innovative, education to BSc and MSc students. Dependent on the expertise of the candidate, the departing point will be from physical geography, earth science, geomorphology, soil science or a closely related field, but always embracing cross-disciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an ability, and enthusiasm, to collaborate with experts already within the institute generating empirical data on related subjects. 

You are expected to:

• Publish in high level international journals, present at leading conferences, and supervise PhD researchers.
• Contribute to the development and execution of world-leading research into the consequences of global change in ELD and other IBED-departments.
• Attract external funding to sustain and expand your research line.
• Contribute to education within the MSc Earth Sciences (ES) and the BSc Future Planet Studies (FPS) programs, via both theoretical and applied field courses.
• Supervise research projects and literature reviews at BSc and MSc levels. 
• Actively pursue collaborations with relevant stakeholders inside and outside academia. 

The overall balance of the work load for this position will be approximately 40% education, 50% research, and 10% administration; although in the initial stages of appointment (first 1-2 years) if necessary, time will also be allocated for learning Dutch. The educational component will include the delivery of educational material, coordination of courses, and the supervision of BSc and MSc student projects. The research component will include conducting research, writing and submission of manuscripts and grants, and the supervision of PhD researchers. The administrative component will include organizational roles within the institute, such as participation in hiring committees or as a department representative on an internal committee. It is envisaged that over the medium term (c. 4-5 years) the successful candidate will develop their career by obtaining an advanced educational qualification (such as the SKO) and become an educational leader within the organization. This trajectory will include taking up educationally focused administrative roles, such as becoming the co-ordination of an MSc track and/or a member of an examination board. In the longer term the successful candidate may rise to become the director of one of our educational programs. 

What do we require?

The successful candidate for this position will have:

• A PhD in physical geography, earth science, geomorphology, soil science or a closely related field, on a topic related to geomorphology or (tropical) landscape evolution
• A track record of publishing in international peer reviewed journals and obtaining external research funding.
• Experience of delivering and coordinating university education on geomorphology/landscape evolution or related topics. 
• Experience of supervision of BSc and/or MSc  and/or PhD students.
• A qualification in university education (equivalent to the Dutch “University Teaching Qualification” BKO); or willing to obtain the BKO within the first 1-2 years of appointment. 
• Fluency in English and in Dutch; or the ability to learn Dutch (B2) within the first two years.
• A collaborative outlook on science and be able to demonstrate how they can link with the ELD (IBED) team.
• A driven personality who can serve as a role model for students as well as junior lecturers and junior researchers.

Preferred

• Familiarity with funding mechanisms in the Netherlands
• Experience with public outreach and societal engagement 
• Experience supervising PhD candidates

Our offer

A temporary contract for 30-38 hours a week, preferably starting early in 2023 for the duration of 18 months. The position will be permanent, subject to a positive evaluation of your performance during this initial 18-month temporary appointment.
The position will be at the Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent) level.
Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between €3.974 to €5.439 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Career perspectives & support
IBED offers opportunities for further career development, from Assistant to Associate Professor and from Associate Professor to Full Professor. The position is accompanied by a start-up package that includes financial support for research facilities and the appointment of a PhD student or postdoc

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Together, we create a vibrant, challenging and well-equipped research environment at Amsterdam Science Park. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the systems underlying biological processes.
The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic and biotic factors, and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities . Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam .

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:  Prof. dr. William Gosling ([email protected] ), Head of the Department of Ecosystem & Landscape Dynamics.  

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application, including a motivation letter, a CV, a short teaching statement (<750 words), a short research statement (<750 words), and a list of publications.
The interview will include an example lecture (30-minutes) given to a general audience, including students, and a panel interview. At the start of the panel interview you will be asked to give a 10-minute presentation outlining your key scientific interests and your fit to IBED and ELD.  

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.