Assistant Professor Plant Ecology and Biodiversity at Maastricht University

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. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with a background in at least two of the following areas: global change ecology, plant physiological ecology, biodiversity, biotic interactions, evolutionary ecology, restoration or conservation ecology. 

The successful applicant should have strong quantitative skills and a demonstrated ability to link ecological research with other fields of environmental science in an interdisciplinary setting. 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. 

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. 

What we offer

As Assistant Professor at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11/12 according to UFO profile Assistant Professor, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4,332 and €6,737 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here. 

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research. 

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers. 

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community. 

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together. 

Click here for more information about UM. 

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 3700 students gather to explore e 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 home 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 at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, 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. 

Department

This position will be embedded in the new System Earth Science department within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Maastricht University. 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. 

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Roy Erkens, Associate Professor Evolutionary Diversity via recruitmentfse@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31433881182 for more information. 

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Assistant Professor? Apply now via the application button, no later than 25 February 2024, for this position. 

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

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.