At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious colleague to further strengthen our group with a specific focus on nutrient enrichment and biodiversity loss.
Nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) of natural areas is one of the most important drivers of biodiversity loss. High levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposition lead to loss of nitrogen-limited ecosystems and biodiversity, especially in North-western Europe. In the Netherlands, this has resulted in a ‘nitrogen crisis’ that requires urgent actions. At the same time, agricultural fertilization has also led to phosphate-enriched soils and the legacy of this enrichment will continue for decades. It is therefore essential to analyze how nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment affect ecosystem processes, biodiversity and management outcomes and to use this knowledge to develop effective policies and measures to sustain and restore ecosystems.
We are looking for a candidate who wants to contribute to bending the curve of biodiversity loss to biodiversity recovery, by strengthening our research on nutrient enrichment and biodiversity. You have a solid fundamental understanding of ecosystem processes and nutrient enrichment as driver of biodiversity loss, and are able to translate this into effective interventions in nature conservation, restoration and policies. You will contribute to the acquisition and execution of externally funded projects, including acquisition and supervision of PhD students. We will enable and coach you to apply for personal research grants.
We achieve major impact through educating the change agents of the future. You will teach in the BSc programme Global Sustainability Science; in the MSc programmes Sustainable Development, and Water, Science and Management; and supervise bachelor's and master's theses. Teaching topics include landscape ecology and nature conservation, ecohydrology, soil and water chemistry, system analysis and/or land use change. Teaching is in English. In the first two years, the teaching load will be 50%; after two years teaching load will increase to 60%.