Vacancy
Assistant or associate professor (Tenure track) Regional to Global Crop Production under Global Change
Your job
Are you interested in the impact of climate change on crop production? Do you want to contribute to solutions for a more food secure world? Are you skilled in working with numerical models? If so, the Water Systems and Global Change (WSG) group invites you to join us as an Assistant or Associate Professor.
The WSG group focuses on the water-food-climate nexus, a critical area of research within the Earth Systems and Global Change (ESC) framework. . We study interactions between water resources and crop production as modulated by climate change and climate variability. To this end we develop and use models integrating crop development, growth, nutrient uptake and transpiration, both in potential and water or nutrient limited conditions. We couple these two models simulating water availability from surface and ground water, including irrigation systems and reservoirs (VIC), as well as water quality aspects. With such coupled models we study contemporary, near- and far-future mutual potentials and constraints, globally as well as for large basins and regions.
We also aim to contribute to solutions by quantifying the effects of a diversity of potential adaptation strategies to increase magnitude and resilience of crop production at scales ranging from farm to globe. Climate time scales can be historic to real time (reanalysis), seasonal forecasts as well climate change scenarios (CMIP6). We engage with stakeholders worldwide to empower them to transition towards a more sustainable future. To strengthen our team, consisting of tenured staff, postdocs and PhDs, as well scientific programming support staff, we have a vacancy for an assistant professor crop production under global change.
In this tenure track position, you will be expected to develop your own research line around crop production and water resources in a global change context, in close collaboration and interaction with other staff in the group and beyond. You will publish your research findings in respected international academic journals, as well as reach out to relevant stakeholders. You are expected to secure research funds from government, EU and/or private sources. You will also contribute to education, by supervising thesis and internship students and by teaching in relevant courses at the BSc and/or MSc level.
Tenure Track is a career path for scientists who pursue to excel in education and research. We seek to attract scientific talent and to stimulate and support their development.
You will work here
This tenure track position is in the Earth Systems and Global Change , more specifically under the chair of Water Systems and Global Change. You will be supervised by dr. Ronald Hutjes, Associate Professor Landuse-Climate Interactions.
Your qualities
The ideal candidate:
- has completed a relevant PhD in plant/crop science with significant attention to abiotic influences (e.g., climate, water resources) on crop yield (quantity and quality);
- has a strong background in (distributed, large scale) crop modelling; in simulating impacts of climate change and adaptation measures on crop production; experience with (VIC-)WOFOST or LPJmL will be considered a pré;
- is experienced with various crops and farming contexts worldwide;
- has strong quantitative skills in terms of analysing, processing and visualising large data sets; has strong scripting and programming skills (e.g., Python, C, R, GIS);
- has good research qualities, as shown by publications in international peer-reviewed journals and other forms of scientific or societal impact;
- brings an active network in relevant communities (e.g., AgMIP);
- is able to attract funds to continue and expand your research;
- is motivated to strive for high-quality education, preferably shown by a relevant and well-evaluated teaching experience;
- has a very good command of spoken and written English; willingness to learn Dutch;
- is a team player, and committed to an inclusive, international working environment.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C2. If you do not yet have this level, we will of course help you and you can go to our language center Wageningen in'to Language.
You can see that there are plenty of challenges ahead of you. These challenges can also be seen as development opportunities. So if you do not yet have the track-record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.
We offer you
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Ronald Hutjes, Associate Professor Landuse-Climate Interactions by phone: +31 317 486 462 or by e-mail: ronald.hutjes@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, by email: noorien.abbas@wur.nl.
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 19 August 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.