The Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry Group (APCG) of the Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research (IMAU) studies the chemical composition of the atmosphere, the change in its composition due to anthropogenic emissions, and interactions between atmospheric compounds and the Earth's climate. Isotope measurements is a key tool, and we operate a large isotope laboratory with 9 IRMS systems, laser systems and numerous sample collection, extraction and preparation devices targeted to the measurement of atmospheric trace gases.

As Assistant Professor in Atmospheric Isotope Research you build on your strong and proven expertise in measurement and interpretation of isotopic composition of atmospheric compounds to investigate global to regional trace gas budgets, isotope effects in chemical reactions and exchange processes between the atmosphere and the earth’s surface. In this position, you conduct research and contribute to inspiring education. As experimental physicist, you manage part of the analytical infrastructure in the atmospheric isotope laboratory.

You are familiar with the operation and maintenance of isotope ratio mass spectrometers and/or have experience with the development of analytical systems to measure the atmospheric composition. Your research line complements and strengthens the isotope research focus of the APCG group. As assistant professor, you work to expand your line of research with your fellow staff members and PhD candidates and you collaborate closely with other group members, making use of and possibly expanding our experimental capabilities. You recognise opportunities for internal and external (interdisciplinary) collaboration, build new research collaborations and manage to acquire research funding. 

You inspire our students through engaging lectures in our bachelor (Physics) and/or master (Climate Physics) programmes. As you develop your expertise as university teacher, you will reflect critically on the curriculum and help contribute to educational innovation. You have a visible presence in the field and in society through your commitment to outreach activities.

We are looking for an inspiring academic leader who meets the following qualifications:

• internationally leading expertise in the development, use and interpretation of isotope and/or trace gas measurements in line with the ongoing activities of the APCG group, with a strong publication and funding track record;
• ideally experience with high resolution IRMS systems, optical isotope analysers, clumped isotopes and mass independent isotope effects;
• an active team player in international scientific communities;
• experience with, and a personal vision on, leading a small group of scientists and creating a supportive, collaborative, sustainable and inclusive work environment;
• experience with student supervision and with teaching in BSc and MSc programmes;
• experience in and aspiration for further development of courses and programmes;

If you are excited to actively participate and strengthen atmospheric isotope research and education at IMAU, we invite you to apply.

• an appointment at the level of Assistant Professor, with the prospect of a permanent employment contract following a positive evaluation after 18 month;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from €4,332 to € 6,737 in scale 11 or 12;
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects. For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science. 

The Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht (IMAU) offers a unique research and teaching environment, in which the fundamentals of the climate system are studied. Research is organised in five themes: Atmospheric Dynamics, Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry, Coastal and Shelf Sea Dynamics, Ice and Climate and Oceans and Climate. In 2017, IMAU research quality and impact were qualified as 'world leading' by an international visitation committee. Currently, IMAU employs 18 faculty members and 10 support staff and some 20 Postdocs and 30 PhD candidates, and offers a friendly, open and international atmosphere.