Post-doctoral Researcher (27828)

→  Apply before 08/10/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→  Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
→  Department: BW24 - Groene Chemie en Technologie
→  Occupancy rate: 100%
→  Number of positions: 1
→  Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→  Term of assignment: 4 months
→  Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→  Required diploma: PhD

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS
The Isotope Bioscience Laboratory group (ISOFYS) within UGent is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with extensive expertise in geomorphology, sediment tracing, remote sensing, and soil science to advance our research on land and soil degradation. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in studying the environmental challenges and geological risks associated with regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
This research theme is deeply connected to understanding and mitigating human-induced land and soil degradation, focusing on critical environmental risks such as landslides, flash floods, and soil erosion. Your role will involve leveraging advanced techniques, including sediment source fingerprinting, remote sensing, and geomorphological modeling, to explore these global environmental challenges. The current research direction emphasizes comparing European and African catchments, aiming to shed light on the different environmental issues and risks faced by these regions, particularly in the DRC and Zambia.
Your contributions will enhance our understanding of soil erosion, sediment transport, and their impacts on agricultural sustainability and ecosystem resilience. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative strategies for soil and water management, particularly in vulnerable regions.
You will work closely with professors and research coordinators to initiate and support groundbreaking research ideas. Your work will contribute to expanding the practical relevance of our research theme and generating new scientific insights.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

•    You hold a PhD in geology, or a related discipline.
•    You have a strong research background in sediment tracing, soil erosion, land degradation, and remote sensing, with a particular focus on European and African regions.
•    Previous experience with data and lab analyses of elemental composition (ICP and XRF) and Compound Specific Stable Isotopes for tracing, magnetic susceptibility, as well as with 137Cs and 210Pb radionuclides for soil redistribution rate calculations, is required.
•    Previous fieldwork experience with gravity core samplers such as UWITECH is required.
•    Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: R, Python, or Java.
•    Expertise with widely implemented sediment unmixing models, such as MixSIAR and FingerPro, is required.
•    You have experience working in challenging environments, particularly in African catchments, and are familiar with the unique environmental and geological risks in these regions. Previous fieldwork experience in the DRC and Zambia is a plus.
•    Previous experience with sediment transport tools such as the connectivity index or RUSLE-based software is a plus.
•    You are fluent in English.
•    You are motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative, with a passion for making a global impact through your research.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

-    We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from November 1, 2024 to February 29, 2025
-     Your contract will start on 1/11/2024 at the earliest.
-    Your remuneration will be determined by salary PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
-    All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits. 

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

-    In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
-    In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
-    In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Pascal Boeckx  (09 264 60 00). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36