Job Vacancy: Full Professor in Environmental Spatial Analysis, IVM VU University Amsterdam

Full professor in Environmental Spatial Analysis and Head of Department (SPACE) f/m For 1,0 fte

Vacancy number 1.2009.00096

The Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) IVM is an international institute that conducts world-class multidisciplinary research and teaching in environmental studies across the natural and social sciences (www.vu.nl/ivm). The institute employs about 130 people and is well-embedded in national and international academic networks. In addition to core funding, a large part of IVM’s budget is obtained from research grants and contract research. The Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) was established at the VU University in 1971 and was integrated within the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW) in 2002.

The Spatial Analysis and Policy (SPACE) department is one of four departments at IVM, conducting research in environmental spatial analysis, with a special focus on land use, land-water interactions, climate change, and risk management, applying a range of methods, including remote sensing and GIS techniques. The department comprises 20 researchers and technicians, including geographers, earth scientists, ecologists and economists.

The candidate
The new Professor in Environmental Spatial Analysis will focus on spatial aspects of the interaction between land use, hydrological, ecological and social systems. In particular the chair will seek to integrate theory, method and observational data in understanding dynamics and change at different scales of these systems, with the objective of contributing to more sustainable solutions.

The candidate would have a demonstrated track-record to perform the following tasks:

1.    To carry out high-quality research:
•    to initiate, formulate and supervise research;
•    to publish the results of scientific research in leading international peer-reviewed journals and books;
•    to facilitate multidisciplinary research; and
•    to develop and guide doctoral research.
2.    To contribute to teaching:
•    to extend and improve the quality of education offered at IVM and the VU University;
•    to promote the use of new approaches and techniques in teaching; and
3.    To manage the SPACE department:
•    to give motivational, scientific leadership to the SPACE department;
•    to secure research in the SPACE department (and in IVM more broadly) by acquiring sufficient funding from a wide array of external sources;
•    to implement institute policies in the department, to monitor and appraise performance and develop talent;
•    to be a member of the IVM institute management team; and
•    to represent externally the SPACE department, IVM and the VU University.

Requirements
The appointed professor would be an internationally-recognised scholar in one of the following fields: environmental science, hydrology, ecology or spatial analysis, with a demonstrated interest in contributing to societal decision-making and policy. These requirements are reflected in an academic doctoral degree, and in the quality and number of publications in international peer-reviewed journals. (S)he should have proven expertise in research in spatial environmental issues, with a focus on ecological and/or hydrological questions. Experience in managing research and guiding other researchers in a team is highly desirable.

Salary
The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and depending on experience, range from a minimum of € 4.904,- (salary scale H2) up to a maximum of € 8.622,- (salary scale H1) gross per month.

Information and application
For information, including the position report for this position, please contact Prof. Dr. F. Berkhout, chairman of the recruitment committee (e-mail: frans.berkhout@ivm.vu.nl; phone +31 20 59 89568) or Drs. Mathilde Molendijk (e-mail: mathilde.molendijk@ivm.vu.nl; phone +31 20 59 89508).

Candidates who are interested in applying for this position are requested to send a letter and a detailed resume containing educational data, a list of publications, research, teaching and management experience, as well as any other information that may be relevant for the position before May 18th, 2009 to: the VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, attn. Dr. J.M.R.M. Neutelings, Managing Director, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, e-mail: falw-vacatures@falw.vu.nl. Mention the vacancy number in the e-mail header or at the top left corner of the letter and envelop.


Any other correspondence in response to this advertisement will not be dealt with.