Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in Biogeomorphology (F/M) (1.0 FTE)

The Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University has a strong profile in research on land surface processes, natural hazards, large-scale hydrology, coast and river processes and morphology, spatio-dynamic modelling, earth observation and image processing. Our Coastal and River group focuses on the natural and human-induced dynamics of fluvial and coastal landscapes. The work domain encompasses barrier coasts, beaches and dunes, tidal inlet systems, rivers and floodplains, large estuaries with major ports, tidal flats, salt marshes and mangroves. In particular, we are excited about interactions between fluvial, marine and aeolian components in the widest sense and in feedbacks between physical and biotic processes in these landscapes. We combine numerical modelling, scale experiments, process measurements in the field and also remote sensing. Our overarching aim is to contribute to the solution of major scientific and societal challenges, and to this end we aim to combine our knowledge in generic bio-morphological fluvial/coastal models.

We are looking for a candidate to establish a research line related to process observation, analysis and modelling of the dynamics of river and/or coastal landscapes resulting from flow, sediment transport, biological interactions and human interference. Candidates will describe their dream research line in a thoughtful motivation letter, and are also encouraged to explain what attracts them to our group. We particularly welcome research lines on the interactions between organisms and river, estuarine or coastal landscape dynamics.

The candidate is expected to acquire funding from national and European science funding agencies for personal fellowships, PhDs and postdocs. The candidate will be involved in the co-supervision of PhD candidates and postdocs, sharing responsibility for the field- and/or laboratory experiments, and presenting results in journal papers and at international conferences, in collaboration with the other staff. She or he is also expected to contribute to relevant courses in the Earth Science Bachelor and Master programmes, leading towards the Basic Teaching Qualification of Utrecht University.

The candidate holds a PhD degree in a relevant area, such as earth surface dynamics, environmental sciences, physical geography, ecology, ecohydraulics, civil engineering, marine sciences or a closely related field. Selection for the position will be done on the basis of research vision and the cv with academic track record will be assessed for funding potential for personal fellowships. The candidate has affinity for teaching and is expected to be proficient in English, both spoken and written. Our Department has committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce, and we strongly encourage women to apply.

We offer a full-time tenure track position that starts with an initial period of two years, with either an intended conversion to a permanent position or an extension of another two years, subject to performance. Further career development to Associate Professor is possible. The gross salary is in the range between € 3,637 and € 4,978 per month (scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities). The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% per year.

The research group will provide the candidate with strong and collegial support on all aspects of the work. The candidate will have access to our experimental facilities including the www.uu.nl/metronome, the instrument pool for studies on flow-, wave- and wind-driven processes, laboratory infrastructure, and computing facilities. Other novel techniques, analyses and facilities in the faculty can be accessed in collaboration. We offer a collegial and lively department with many collaborations, including close collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) with access to their facilities. Furthermore, we actively train and support acquisition of external funds and fellowships, we coach for supervision of junior researchers, and we have a coaching trajectory towards the Basic Teaching Qualification.

We offer possibilities for development, flexible employment conditions including part-time, holidays, parental leave, a pension scheme and collective insurance schemes. Facilities for childcare and sports and a botanical garden are available on our campus, which is only 15 minutes away from the historical city centre of Utrecht. 

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information about the department Physical Geography is available on our website.

More information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Maarten Kleinhans via M.G.Kleinhans@uu.nl or Prof. Dr. Gerben Ruessink via B.G.Ruessink@uu.nl.

• a letter of application that describes your motivation for this position, and the most important qualifications

• a two-page document outlining your dream research line in biogeomorphology and topics to develop in research proposals and projects

• your curriculum vitae, a list of publications, teaching and any public communications or applied projects you are proud of.