Assistant Professor Plant Ecology and Biodiversity

Assistant Professor Plant Ecology and Biodiversity
Assistant Professor Plant Ecology and Biodiversity

Published	Deadline	Location
26 Apr	31 May	Maastricht

Job description

We are looking for an Assistant Professor in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity to help develop our new activities in the area of system earth sciences at the Greenport Campus Venlo in the Southern Netherlands. These new activities will focus on earth and plant-biological research (from fundamental to applied) in relation to human health, the environment and relevant stakeholders. Currently, at the campus a strong knowledgebase is being developed to facilitate education, research and innovation in an interdisciplinary setting. All activities have a strong systems approach. As one of the most international universities in Europe, Maastricht University is consistently ranked in the top ten of universities younger than 50 years worldwide. 

Maastricht University will invest in a new plant-biological research line within the national Dutch priority area 'Understanding biodiversity', with a chair in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity. This position will work as part of this new chair and helps to build up research in the field of plant ecology and biodiversity to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of biodiversity on different spatial and temporal scales. The work done by the Assistant Professor we are looking for can involve greenhouse experiments, molecular lab work, fieldwork or modelling (or a combination of several of these). The candidate should engage in cooperation with other research clusters at Maastricht University, local and (inter)national nature conservation organisations and knowledge partners. Finally, the candidate will contribute to education on ecology and biodiversity (in specific knowledge on Dutch flora) in the context of several bachelor and master programmes.

Specifications

• max. 38 hours per week
• €3974—€6181 per month
• Maastricht View on Google Maps

Maastricht University (UM)

Requirements

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with a doctoral degree in Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity studies or a related discipline. You should have a strong commitment to excellence in research and education. Those with an interdisciplinary interest, who are willing to cross boundaries between scientific disciplines and to society, are especially encouraged to apply. You have a good record of accomplishment for this moment in your career, which reflects your base in research and education in the area of ecology and biodiversity. Experience with successful grant acquisition is seen as an asset. You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

You will help with the development of a new research line on ecology and biodiversity within Maastricht University. You are expected to take initiatives to help strengthen the development of the chair Plant Ecology and Biodiversity and the earth and plant-biological sciences in general. You are stimulating and approachable for staff and students and will readily interact with colleagues within Maastricht University and with other knowledge and business partners. 

The chair Plant Ecology and Biodiversity will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching. Within this context, you will teach using the Problem-Based Learning approach that Maastricht University uses as a basis for all education. Next to this, you are motivated to supervise students in Research-Based Learning during projects periods and final thesis works. Your track record should show your experience in educational delivery and student supervision.

Conditions of employment

•   We offer a rewarding career at a young university in the heart of Europe, with a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovative research and education;
• The salary will be set in salary scale 11 or 12 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (from € 3.974,- to € 6.181,- gross per month depending on experience and qualifications, based on a full-time appointment). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% year-end allowance;
• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, optional model for designing a personalised benefits package and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad.
• The nature of the initial appointment depends on qualifications and track record and may either be permanent or temporary with the intention of permanent appointment upon a mutually positive assessment.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl  > About UM > Working at UM .

Employer
Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterised by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl

Department
Faculty of Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The Faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3150 students gather to explore exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses 

Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen and Venlo, the homes of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening on each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to one of the largest chemistry and materials sites in Europe, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

This position will be embedded in a new to develop cluster within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Maastricht University, in the area of system earth sciences. This will house research lines in the fields of plant ecology and evolution, planetary health, and sustainable and healthy food systems. These activities will be located at the Brightlands Greenport Campus Venlo.

Additional information

More information on this vacancy can be obtained from Roy Erkens, Associate Professor Evolutionary Diversity ([email protected] , +31433881182)

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit your application before 1 June 2023. 

Working at Maastricht University

Maastricht University distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.

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Apply via postal mail

[email protected]

Don't forget to mention AcademicTransfer and the job number: AT2023.200 in your letter.

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Application procedure

Please submit your CV and cover letter before 1 June 2023 to [email protected]

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.

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