Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in polar ecology

Are you passionate about research and teaching in ecology and biodiversity? Do you want to work on polar ecology in a multidisciplinary team? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 - 1

Are you an experienced researcher in polar ecology and biodiversity, particularly in the context of biogeochemical cycles and climate change? Then this tenure-track position may be an interesting offer for you. If your research includes long-term field experiments in the Arctic and Antarctic with global change manipulations, then we would especially like to hear from you. We are also interested in threats to polar ecosystems, and how we can preserve these unique ecosystems for the future.

You are part of the section Systems Ecology. We have a strong global track record in biogeochemistry, biodiversity, plant trait ecology and microbial ecology. Burning environmental and societal issues, like global climate change and nitrogen deposition, are an integral part of our research. Crossing these themes, we have been on the international forefront of polar ecology and the threats to polar ecosystems. We also work on the land management and policies needed to safeguard these unique ecosystems into the future.

The section Systems Ecology is part of the new Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) in the Faculty of Science at VU. A-LIFE brings together the groups of Molecular Cell Biology, Environment & Health, and Ecological Sciences. Our aim is to advance the fundamental understanding of the interplay between life and its environment. A-LIFE seeks to connect properties and behaviors across all scales, from molecules to ecosystems, including human populations.

If you are interested in this position, we would like you to include a concise research statement (max. 1.5 pages). In this statement, please identify and present how your research plans will contribute to the research portfolio of the section Systems ecology. In addition, please also provide a concise teaching statement (also 1.5 pages max.). We would like you to reflect on your teaching vision and hear how you will contribute to the teaching tasks of the department.

Your duties

• execute and lead scientific research projects, and publish in quality journals
• develop a largely externally funded research programme in your research field
• develop and promote academic leadership
• provide high quality training and supervision to PhD students and postdocs
• teach Bachelor and Master level courses in topics such as Ecology, Urban Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
• supervise student projects
• take up the position of coordinator of the joint VU-UvA Ecology and Evolution master
• engage in professional development activities related to teaching

• a PhD degree in (polar) ecology
• a strong international scientific record in polar ecology. You also have proven experience with acquiring funding in this research field
• network and connections with key (ant)arctic research partners, such as the British Antarctic Survey
• proven academic teaching record with a formal professional academic teaching qualification
• a strong commitment, innovative spirit and a clear vision in teaching
• excellent communication skills (written and spoken English) and motivation to work in a team
• proficiency in Dutch is not required. However, we do expect you to develop at least a passive proficiency in the first three years

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €3,974 (scale 11)

and a maximum €6,181 (scale 12), depending on your education and experience. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

We offer a Tenure Track position at the level of Assistant Professor. A career plan to grow from Assistant Professor (profile Universitair Docent) to Associate Professor (profile Universitair Hoofddocent) will be made and formalised in a Tenure/Career Track agreement. The initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months. 15 months after the starting date, performance will be evaluated. After a successful evaluation permanent employment will be granted.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment, 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, solid pension scheme (ABP), contribution to commuting expenses

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.

About the department
The sub-department A-LIFE / Systems Ecology (www.amsterdamecology.nl ) offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels. The sub-department has a strong commitment to equity and diversity.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until

. The job interviews are planned for 25 July 2022, when possible please take them into account when applying for the position.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Prof.dr. M.A.P.A. Aerts
Position: Professor
E-mail: [email protected]

or

Name: Prof.dr. J.H.C. Cornelissen
Position: Professor
E-mail: [email protected]

No agencies