Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences (Utrecht University)

Institution: Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences Department: Earth Sciences Contract Type: 0.8–1.0 FTE, 18-month initial contract, with potential permanent appointment Working Hours: 32–40 hours/week Salary: €4,728 – €6,433 gross/month (scale 11, full-time) + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 Preferred Start Date: 1 September 2026 Role Overview The department seeks an expert in earth materials/mineral science to: Develop an independent research line in Earth Materials Science that complements current department strengths. Apply earth material science knowledge to modern societal challenges (e.g., energy storage, CO₂ capture, radionuclide storage, weathering of concrete/monuments, transformation of asbestos). Conduct multi- and interdisciplinary research aligned with department themes: Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Natural Hazards, and Planetary Health & Environment. Facilitate access to state-of-the-art labs through European collaborations. Teaching Responsibilities: Develop and deliver courses in BSc and MSc programs (core geological courses, advanced mineralogy). Supervise student projects and potentially contribute to field teaching. Expected contribution: ~40% teaching, 40% research, 20% other activities (management, committees). Candidate Requirements Essential: PhD in Solid Earth Sciences or relevant natural sciences. Recognized expertise in Earth materials/mineral science. Minimum 2–3 years postdoctoral experience. Strong academic research record (high-quality publications). Experience obtaining research grants. Strong teaching and mentorship skills (BSc, MSc, PhD students). English proficiency C1 level; willingness to acquire Dutch language skills for practical teaching within 2 years. Excellent communication, networking, and organizational skills. Desirable: Interest in public outreach. Multi- and interdisciplinary research orientation. Vision for long-term research impact and contribution to societal challenges. Application Process Include in your application: Letter of motivation. Research and teaching vision/plans for the next 5 years (max. 3 pages). Curriculum vitae (including teaching experience and list of publications). Names and email addresses of two referees. Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates may give an oral presentation of research and teaching vision. May include a short lecture to students/staff. Online screening may be part of the process. Contacts for Information (not applications): Dr Suzanne Hangx (Chair Search Committee): s.j.t.hangx@uu.nl Prof Dr Jack Middelburg (Head of Department): j.b.m.middelburg@uu.nl About the Faculty & Department Faculty of Geosciences: ~3,400 students, 720 staff. Department of Earth Sciences: largest Earth Sciences institute in the Netherlands, 50+ tenured scientists, 110+ PhD/postdocs. State-of-the-art labs: Electron Microscopy Centre, Paleomagnetic Laboratory, Geolab, Earth Simulation Laboratory. Focus: full range of solid Earth & environmental Earth sciences; strong international collaboration. Location: Utrecht Science Park, accessible city centre, vibrant cultural environment. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Institution: Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Earth Sciences
Contract Type: 0.8–1.0 FTE, 18-month initial contract, with potential permanent appointment
Working Hours: 32–40 hours/week
Salary: €4,728 – €6,433 gross/month (scale 11, full-time) + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Preferred Start Date: 1 September 2026

Role Overview

The department seeks an expert in earth materials/mineral science to:

Develop an independent research line in Earth Materials Science that complements current department strengths.
Apply earth material science knowledge to modern societal challenges (e.g., energy storage, CO₂ capture, radionuclide storage, weathering of concrete/monuments, transformation of asbestos).
Conduct multi- and interdisciplinary research aligned with department themes: Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Natural Hazards, and Planetary Health & Environment.
Facilitate access to state-of-the-art labs through European collaborations.

Teaching Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver courses in BSc and MSc programs (core geological courses, advanced mineralogy).
Supervise student projects and potentially contribute to field teaching.
Expected contribution: ~40% teaching, 40% research, 20% other activities (management, committees).

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

PhD in Solid Earth Sciences or relevant natural sciences.
Recognized expertise in Earth materials/mineral science.
Minimum 2–3 years postdoctoral experience.
Strong academic research record (high-quality publications).
Experience obtaining research grants.
Strong teaching and mentorship skills (BSc, MSc, PhD students).
English proficiency C1 level; willingness to acquire Dutch language skills for practical teaching within 2 years.
Excellent communication, networking, and organizational skills.

Desirable:

Interest in public outreach.
Multi- and interdisciplinary research orientation.
Vision for long-term research impact and contribution to societal challenges.

Application Process

Include in your application:

Letter of motivation.
Research and teaching vision/plans for the next 5 years (max. 3 pages).
Curriculum vitae (including teaching experience and list of publications).
Names and email addresses of two referees.

Selection Process:

Shortlisted candidates may give an oral presentation of research and teaching vision.
May include a short lecture to students/staff.
Online screening may be part of the process.

Contacts for Information (not applications):

Dr Suzanne Hangx (Chair Search Committee): s.j.t.hangx@uu.nl
Prof Dr Jack Middelburg (Head of Department): j.b.m.middelburg@uu.nl

About the Faculty & Department

Faculty of Geosciences: ~3,400 students, 720 staff.
Department of Earth Sciences: largest Earth Sciences institute in the Netherlands, 50+ tenured scientists, 110+ PhD/postdocs.
State-of-the-art labs: Electron Microscopy Centre, Paleomagnetic Laboratory, Geolab, Earth Simulation Laboratory.
Focus: full range of solid Earth & environmental Earth sciences; strong international collaboration.

Location: Utrecht Science Park, accessible city centre, vibrant cultural environment.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

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