Assistant Professor of Luminescence Dating for Soil, Sediment and Landscape Dynamics
Wageningen University
Netherlands

Location Wageningen

We are looking for

The Soil Geography and Landscape group (SGL) at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites applications for a tenure-track position focussing on luminescence dating for reconstructing and quantifying soil, sediment and landscape dynamics. Tasks include a combination of research, teaching, and service for clients of the Netherlands Centre for Luminescence dating (NCL). We seek candidates who have an in-depth understanding of luminescence dating methods and their applications, combined with the personal potential for innovation and leadership in research. You are expected to develop research at the interface of cutting-edge luminescence methods and soil, sediment and landscape dynamics. Hence you should have affinity with SGL research, which is focussed on soil and landscape dynamics and interactions as a function of natural and human drivers.
 
The position also involves teaching at BSc and MSc level on soil geography and geomorphology and supervising thesis students. Teaching amounts to approximately 40% of your appointment. Examples of courses in which you will teach are the ‘The 4th Dimension in Earth Sciences’ and ‘Introduction to Soil Geography’. Interesting to note here is the recognition of the excellent education offered in Wageningen. Our university was chosen as the best institution for higher education in the Netherlands for the 15th time in a row in 2019. Besides that, Wageningen University is ranked number 1 worldwide in the fields of environment, agriculture and ecology.

An important aspect of the job is the acquisition of research projects, both at national and international level, to fund new PhD and postdoc positions. More information on our research and education activities can be found on our homepage.

We ask

A strong, curiosity-driven scientist who enjoys working on the development of novel luminescence dating methods and applications, and is able to translate field and lab data to quantitative understanding of earth-surface dynamics. The ideal candidate has:

• a PhD degree associated with luminescence dating;
• affinity with soil science and landscape dynamics;
• affinity with modelling earth surface processes and interactions;
• a strong academic record;
• preferably prior teaching experience;
• excellent communication skills in English (oral and written)

We offer

We offer a tenure-track position (seven-years) that will be converted to a permanent position when the tenure-track requirements are fulfilled. The position is available on the level of Assistant Professor, although employment as Associate Professor may be possible in case of exceptional suitability. In both cases, the candidate will enter WUR's tenure-track program.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8%
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an efficient balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities are organized on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus for a reduced fee.

More information

Please apply via the apply button on this page and upload the following documents:

• A letter of motivation (max. 2 pages A4) providing information on:CV including complete list of publications and prior teaching activities;
  • your motivation to apply for this specific position;
  • how your research and education skills will contribute to SGL and NCL;
• Names and contact details for three references;
• A summary of your PhD thesis (max. 1 page A4).

We are

The goal of Wageningen University & Research is to deliver a substantial contribution to the quality of life. We search for answers to issues affecting society- such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. In Wageningen, we encompass the entire chain of knowledge, from fundamental research to science-based and up-scalable practical knowledge to create solutions that have impact

A coordinated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the outstanding approach of Wageningen. Every day 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need!

Equal Opportunities Employer
We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient organization.