The Faculty of Science and Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) are looking for:
Assistant professor in process-based ecotoxicology (0.8-1.0 fte)
Vacancy number:22-517
Key responsibilities
The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) offers a new position on environmental processes and process-based ecotoxicology. Our general aim is to perform excellent scientific as well as societal relevant research, and thus we focus on fate and impact assessments for advanced materials of the future, emerging compounds and those substances that are under debate. We have a well-established ecotoxicology group for which we are searching for a colleague to perform research as well as to participate in teaching.
Assessing the hazards of chemicals and materials to the environment does not only require knowledge of their concentrations and potential sources but also knowledge of the availability of these substances to organisms, i.e. the actual exposure. The dynamics in abiotic conditions, joint stressors and the biological relationships at the study site determine the impacts to organisms. At the same time the fitness of an organism has its influence on ecosystem functioning, but also on its susceptibility to instance vector-borne diseases.
The research work includes effect studies on relationships between exposure and toxicity using, e.g. in vitro bioassays on organisms’ fitness, multigeneration tests as well as on population endpoints. The toxicological properties are evaluated experimentally with tests in the laboratory and bioassays. We are searching for a colleague who can model making use of Dynamic Energy Budget models, Toxico-Kinetic-Toxico-Dynamics, mixture effect models, and other process-based models. Acquaintance with computational database analyses and computer-based QSAR models is preferred.
You will take responsibility for courses, laboratory practicals, and thesis supervision in the field of ecotoxicology and biodiversity in the Minor Sustainable Development of CML, the MSc Governance of Sustainability, and the tracks in the BSc. and MSc. Biology. We expect that about 40% of your responsibilities will be related to teaching, 40% related to research, and 20% on other tasks. The starting date is flexible.
Key tasks:
- In collaboration with CML colleagues, study process-based ecotoxicology that complements CML’s existing research
- Contribute to acquisition of research grants
- Develop and teach courses within CML’s educational programs related to environmental toxicology and biodiversity or ecosystems
- Supervise BSc. and MSc students in their thesis work, and PhD students in their projects
Selection criteria
- A PhD in a relevant field, related to ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, soil or water sciences, theoretical or computational biology, or environmental sciences
- Proven statistical skills or strong modelling related to either ecological modelling, spatial explicit modelling or process-based models, (not genomics or proteomics).
- Proven teaching skills
- A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; BKO in Dutch), or the willingness to attain this within two years
- Have a clear potential to develop good acquisition capabilities, it is preferred to have understanding of the EU acquisition environment.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills
- Team player and having a collaborative attitude
Our organization
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 140 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.
For more information, see www.science.leidenuniv.nl. Information about CML can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences
Terms and conditions
We offer a 1.5 year term position. In case of good performance the contract will be transformed into a permanent position after this period. The salary range is from € 3.806,- to € 5.922,- gross per month depending on qualifications and experience (pay scale 11 or 12 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set-up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. Martina Vijver ( vijver@cml.leidenuniv.nl ) or Prof. Peter van Bodegom (p.m.van.bodegom@cml.leidenuniv.nl).
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to sollicitaties@cml.leidenuniv.nl . Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- CV
- A motivation letter
- A research statement and teaching statement (together between 1 and 2 pages max)
Only applications received before September 7 will be considered. Interviews will take place in October.