The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in eDNA and spatial analysis plays a key role within the BIOSPACE project, responsible for undertaking high quality research within the European Research council (ERC) Project ‘Biodiversity monitoring from space’. This role will focus on a fundamentally different approach to terrestrial biodiversity monitoring by coupling environmental DNA (eDNA) profiling with next generation remote sensing, complemented where available by legacy human-observed datasets. The successful applicant will have a PhD in environmental genomics or molecular ecology and is comfortable in sampling and molecular procedures as well as standard bioinformatics pipelines. An enthusiasm for biogeography and terrestrial ecology. We are looking for applicants who have demonstrated experience and a good research track record.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Department of Natural Resources aims to enable society to effectively develop and use geo-information and Earth Observation knowledge and technologies for agricultural and environmental sustainability. These information sources and methods are used in novel ways to understand and characterise the processes that affect the availability, stability, quality and sustainability of natural resources. The outputs contribute to better monitoring and managing of natural resources which in turn enables their sustainable use, development and restoration under global change.
You are excited to work in an international team with project activities around the world. You combine a drive for scientific quality and rigour with making a difference in global environmental issues. You enjoy collaborating to develop high-quality research outputs with societal impact. You embrace Open Science. You have a passion for education. You are a dedicated supervisor for MSc and PhD students.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in eDNA and spatial analysis you work for a European Research Council funded project. Key activities for this position include:
- take an active part in developing an exciting new research direction linking metabarcoding and metagenomics with remote sensing technologies for biodiversity assessment;
- be responsible for generating and analysing large eDNA data sets;
- the publishing of academic papers;
- contribute to departmental teaching;
- contribute to postgraduate (MSc and PhD) supervision;
- teaching coursework.
YOUR PROFILE
You should have:
- A PhD in environmental genomics or molecular ecology, including high quality publications.
- Demonstrated expertise in sampling and molecular procedures (DNA extraction and amplification) for next generation sequencing and qPCR
- Demonstrated expertise with (at least) standard bioinformatics pipelines for NGS-based metabarcoding and/or metagenomics
- Experience in experimental design and creating and managing databases.
- Programming experience in Python and R for data mining and statistical analysis.
- Enthusiasm for biogeography, incorporating terrestrial ecology.
- An excellent command of English. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage.
- Enthusiasm to work in a range of international and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Capability and experience to collect eDNA and ancillary geographical/biophysical field data.
- Knowledge of spatial science (geo-information and/or remote sensing) is highly desirable.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Additional information about this position can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Andrew Skidmore (e-mail: a.k.skidmore@utwente.nl) You are also invited to visit our homepage.
Please submit your application before 24 May 2020. Your application must include (i) a motivation letter outlining your research and teaching interests and (ii) a CV with references.
OUR OFFER
We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be initially employed for five years. Prolongation of the contract after this period is a possibility.
- Gross monthly salary between € 2,709.- and € 4,274.- (depending on experience and qualifications, job profile Researcher, level 4)
- A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary
- A year-end bonus of 8.3%
- Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
- A solid pension scheme
- Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
- Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment
THE ORGANIZATION
The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.
The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies.