Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in trait-based modelling of biodiversity, biogeographical vegetation dynamics and ecosyst...

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in trait-based modelling of biodiversity, biogeographical vegetation dynamics and ecosyst...
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in trait-based modelling of biodiversity, biogeographical vegetation dynamics and ecosyst...

Published	Deadline	Location
today	15 Oct	Amsterdam

Are you passionate about research and teaching, and would you like to work in a multidisciplinary team in the field of evolution and ecology? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Job description
The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) seeks to strengthen its international position in research on functional trait variation in plant and ecosystem functioning and ecosystem modelling by hiring a tenure-tracker at the Assistant Professor level in the area of Trait-based modelling of biodiversity, biogeographical vegetation dynamics and ecosystem stability.
Future projection of ecosystem vulnerability depends on the ability to simulate both the emergence of de novo ecosystems - vegetation assemblies that have no historical analogue - and the response of existing forests to unprecedented climatological conditions, thus outside their present-day growing range. This requires the implementation of the main morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics, the so-called traits in climate models. Traits determine how plants respond to environmental factors and disturbances and influence ecosystem processes. Individual traits can be related to each other, affect the likelihood and severity of a disturbance, or can vary with environmental conditions, the latter being an expression of their genetic and/or phenotypic plasticity.
We seek a more theoretically oriented person to develop and incorporate trait-based approaches into the land surface model of the IPSL-CM Earth System Model. The proposed work on trait-based approaches should enable climate models to better account for biodiversity, biogeographical vegetation dynamics, as well as interacting disturbances.
The position is embedded in the section Systems Ecology, a vibrant and informal research group with a strong global track record in climate change and ecosystem functioning and atmosphere-plant-soil-microbe interactions. The candidate is expected to contribute to our continued focus on integrative ecological research. The position connects closely to the high-level expertise already present at the section System Ecology and benefits from strong international collaboration, collaborations within A-LIFE, as well as collaboration with the Department of Earth Sciences and the VU Institute for Environmental Studies. Although the candidate is expected to develop their own research, the successful line of research will integrate the current work on functional trait variation and ecosystem modelling.
We ask candidates to write a concise research statement (max. 1.5 pages) that identifies and presents how their research plans will contribute to the research portfolio of the section Systems ecology. In addition, we ask candidates to provide a concise teaching statement (also 1.5 pages max.) reflecting on their teaching vision and how they will contribute to the teaching tasks of the department.
Your duties

• develop a vigorous, largely extramurally funded research program
• teach bachelor and master level courses in ecology, and related subjects
• provide high quality training and supervision to PhD-students and postdocs
• engage in professional development activities related to teaching and academic leadership

Specifications

• 30.4—38 hours per week
• €3974—€5439 per month
• Amsterdam View on Google Maps

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Requirements

• given the interdisciplinary nature of the research we are seeking highly motivated individuals with a PhD in for example terrestrial ecology, theoretical ecology, mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or meteorology. A broad interest in natural sciences and more specifically in quantitative terrestrial ecology is essential.
• rather than requiring any particular training, we are looking for candidates motivated by science with the ability to develop code (particularly Fortran 90) and to integrate scientific knowledge into numerical schemes.
• peer-reviewed publications in the field of terrestrial ecology, ecosystem modelling, land surface modelling and/or functional traits
• proven ability for acquisition of external funding
• demonstrated skills in activating teaching methods in BSc and MSc level courses
• excellent communication skills (written and spoken English) and motivation to work in a team
• proficiency in Dutch is not required, but the successful candidate would be expected to develop at least a passive proficiency in the first three years after appointment

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

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 €5,439 (scale 11), 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/Associate Professor initially for a period of 18 months. A career plan to grow in 6 years from Assistant Professor (profile Universitair Docent) to Associate Professor (profile Universitair Hoofddocent 2) will be made and formalized in a Career Track agreement. 15 Months after the starting date, performance will be evaluated in terms of publication record, acquisition success, teaching and academic leadership. After a successful evaluation permanent employment will be granted after the initial 18 month.
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)
• child daycare facilities available on campus
• good paid parental leave scheme

Employer
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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 institute
The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a strong commitment to bachelor and master level teaching. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics with the aim to advance the fundamental understanding of the interplay between life and its environment.
Additional information
Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae, cover letter, research statement (max 1.5 page), a teaching statement (max 1.5 page) and names and contact information for three references until 15/10/2022. References will be contacted for letters of recommendation. Interviews will be held in the second half of October.
Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.
Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
Name: Dr. S. Luyssaert
Position: Associate Professor
E-mail: [email protected]
No agencies
Working at VU Amsterdam

Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.

Read more

Apply for this job
Apply for this job

This application process is managed by the employer (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)). Please contact the employer for questions regarding your application.

Apply for this job via the employer's website
Thank you for applying

Please contact the employer for questions regarding your application.

Tip: save this job as favorite in your AcademicTransfer account. This gives you an immediate overview and makes it easy to find the job later on. No account yet? Create it now and take advantage of other useful functionalities too!

Back to the vacancy