Assistant Professor in biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems and environmental change

The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 15,000 students and nearly 5,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the Lake of Geneva, near Lausanne’s city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities. 

Presentation

The Faculty of Geosciences and the Environment (FGSE) of the University of Lausanne invites applications for a professorship in biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems and environmental change, to be based in the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST).

We are looking for a soil biogeochemist with expertise on ecosystem-level biotic and abiotic mechanisms driving the elemental cycles in terrestrial environments. The ideal candidate will further a process- and/or model-oriented understanding of terrestrial environments and their response to human activities and climate change. We welcome candidates who wish to integrate new research and teaching perspectives into our existing programs.

Information

Appointment will be at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track). However, exceptionally, we will consider outstanding candidates for direct appointment to the Associate or Full Professor level, particularly if this corresponds with our equal opportunity objectives.

Starting date: 1st of August, 2021 (or to be agreed upon)

Contract length: 2 years renewable twice (6 years). Tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor expected after 5-6 years, leading to further contracts renewable every 6 years.

Activity rate: 100 %

Workplace: University of Lausanne (Géopolis building)

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to i) develop a competitive research program within the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, ii) teach courses in the Bachelor of Geosciences and Environment, and Masters programs taught by the FGSE, and, iii) supervise masters and doctoral students.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate a capacity to undertake high quality research, to obtain research funding, and to publish in peer-reviewed international research journals. A demonstrated potential for teaching and for supervising masters and doctoral theses is required.

A good command of French and English is preferable. If French is not the native language, teaching ability in French has to be acquired within two years of the appointment.

What the position offers

The Faculty of Geosciences and the Environment (FGSE) of the University of Lausanne was created in 2003 and offers state-of-the-art field and laboratory equipment, computational resources, incentives for projects, interdisciplinarity, and excellent work and environment conditions. It consists of three research institutes (Earth Sciences, Geography and Sustainability, and Earth Surface Dynamics) and a School that manages teaching and training across these research domains. Through its five centers, UNIL specifically promotes interdisciplinary research and teaching, within and between natural sciences and human and social sciences. The position includes a start-up research package.

Contact for further information

Other useful information is available on the websites of the Faculty (www.unil.ch/gse) and the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (www.unil.ch/idyst).

For further information, contact the Chair of the selection committee for this position: Frédéric Herman, Dean of the FGSE (frederic.herman@unil.ch).

Application deadline: 15^th of December, 2020
   (23:59 Swiss time GMT+1)

The PDF application in English must be shared in several documents not larger than 9.9 MB and can only be submitted through this website.

https://bit.ly/33x33qm

Or www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html  -> Careers at UNIL -> Emplois -> Postes ouverts -> English -> Keywords biogeochemistry  (or ad 16430)

and should include:

• A cover letter explaining the reasons for applying (max. 1 page);
• a full Curriculum Vitae, including previous employment and university training, the date and title of the doctoral thesis, publications, conference presentations / invited lectures, classes taught, and student research supervised;
• a research statement, describing past major achievements and the research the candidate intends to develop (max. 4 pages);
• a teaching statement, describing the candidate’s teaching approach, intentions for teaching and his or her potential contribution to our teaching programs (max. 2 pages);
• list and links to the three most significant publications and a statement on the personal contribution to each;
• the names and contact information of five referees.

Additional information

The University of Lausanne seeks to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff and strongly encourages applications from women. The FGSE’s strategy regarding equal opportunity, specifically with respect to the recruitment of professors, is described in point 2.2 of the FGSE’s Plan of action in favor of the equality of chances 2017-2020. Candidates are invited to consult this document at the following website: https://www.unil.ch/gse/fr/home/menuinst/faculte/commissions/egalite.html

The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment of the University of Lausanne adheres to the DORA agreement and follows its guidelines in the evaluation of applications. (https://sfdora.org/)