Doctoral scholarship holder terrestrial ecosystem ecology

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The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of terrestrial ecosystem ecology.

Position

• You will work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. The project will investigate the annual biomass production (called net primary production or NPP) of the major ecosystem types (e.g. forests, grasslands, croplands) at the global scale. Theoretically, you will investigate above- and belowground NPP and their environmental and anthropogenic drivers at the global scale (e.g. temperature, plant functional type, atmospheric nitrogen deposition etc.) using a new global database based on field data. Particular attention will be given to the impact of ecosystem management on NPP. Methodologically, you will investigate new ways to determine NPP based on satellite data of photosynthesis and global map of ecosystem management, also to develop within the project. The research will be carried out with many international partners (e.g. VUAmsterdam) and within a new EU project on global carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems based on modelling and remote sensing. The project fits in the general topic of global carbon cycle, ecosystem services, climate change, ecosystem management.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a very limited number of teaching and research support tasks within the research group PLECO (Plant and Ecosystem) of the Department of Biology..

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Forest Engineering, or Environmental Sciences. Holders of a master degree in related fields (e.g. agronomy, natural sciences, biophysics) with proved knowledge of ecosystem ecology and data analysis experience can also apply. Candidates obtaining their diploma by late October can also apply.
• You need to have relevant experience with data analysis and statistics using the R program or similar programming languages (e.g. Matlab, phyton, SAS). Remote sensing experience is an added value.
• You are willing to spend multiple research stays (ranging from few weeks to three months) in other European universities and research centres (stay costs are fully funded by the project)
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You need to be fluent in written and oral English
• Knowledge of terrestrial ecosystem ecology (e.g. the impact of the environment on plant functioning, carbon and nutrient cycle, ecosystem management, etc) is an important competence.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

What we offer

• Funding is available for a doctoral scholarship for 4 years. First, we will offer a contract of one year that can be renewed for three additional years following a positive evaluation.
• The planned start date is January 6 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 14 October 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following four attachments: (i) a motivation letter, (ii) your academic CV, and two files with results of a simple data analysis competence test: (iii) a report and (iv) a file with the code used (more info about the data analysis competence test is to be downloaded here https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/pleco/organisation/vacancies---employme/). Important: applications without the four files (for example, without the report of the data analysis competence test) will not be considered. Knowledge about data analysis competence will also be checked during the interview.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made (in late October – early November), we will inform you about the next step in the selection procedure, which will comprise an interview.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Matteo Campioli matteo.campioli@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.