Assistant Professor in Earth Materials & Mineral Science

Assistant Professor in Earth Materials & Mineral Science

Utrecht University - Faculty of Geosciences

Utrecht, Netherlands

The Department of Earth Sciences of Utrecht University is looking for an Assistant Professor in Earth Materials Sciences. As our new colleague, you will strengthen research and education in Earth Sciences and develop your own internationally recognized research line that should be complementary to current team efforts and contribute to the long-term viability of earth materials research within the department.

Your job

We are interested in earth materials/mineral science experts that can address traditional earth sciences topics, but are keen to use earth material science knowledge and expertise for modern societal challenges. For example, this could be research on the development or characterization of new materials using earth-science specific knowledge on texture, structure and composition of complex natural materials. We also welcome research on nature-inspired solutions to societal challenges, e.g., storage of radionuclides in high-field-strength-element bearing minerals, storage of gases in zeolites/hydrates, transformation of asbestos, weathering of concrete and monuments, energy storage.

Successful candidates are expected to develop an independent and versatile research line of which the societal side will preferably connect to our broad research themes of Sustainable Use of the Subsurface, Natural Hazards, and Planetary Health & (the) Environment. Ideally, the candidate complements staff department members in the larger domain of petrology, structural geology, experimental rock studies, mineral physics, rock magnetism, and mineral-water interface studies. Besides developing your own line of research, it would be of advantage to be interested in facilitating transnational access to our state-of-the-art laboratories for which we collaborate in two European programs.

You will play an essential role in education by inspiring students and developing innovative courses in the BSc and MSc programs of the Department of Earth Sciences, in basic geological courses and, in particular, in the specialized field of advanced mineralogy, as well as in supervising graduation projects. It may be regarded as a benefit, if you are able to contribute to the field teaching programs.

Your qualities

We are looking for a strong team player with good communication and networking skills, who is focused on achieving multidisciplinary research targets and participating in the acquisition of funding for research projects. It is highly recommended that applicants have a minimum experience of two to three years as a postdoctoral researcher.

We seek a highly motivated candidate who holds a PhD degree in solid Earth Sciences or a relevant natural science.

If you:

• are a recognized expert in Earth materials;
• are interested to explore the use of Earth materials knowledge for societal challenges;
• are committed to multi- and interdisciplinary research;
• have strong communication, networking and organisational skills;
• have relevant international experience and an outstanding record of academic research, as reflected in high-quality publications;
• are willing to actively obtain research grants and actively develop new research lines;
• have strong didactic skills, enjoy teaching, and are an inspiring mentor to BSc students, MSc students and PhD candidates;
• have obtained a basic teaching qualification (at Utrecht University or equal), or are willing to obtain this qualification in the near future;
• have a keen eye for public outreach,

we encourage you to apply.