We are looking for an enthusiastic and qualified MSc, with a degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, or equivalent and experience in modelling and/or computational analysis, who wishes to pursue a PhD at the Systems Ecology section which is part of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE).

Tropical forest response to rising atmospheric CO2, climate change, and disturbances depends on their ability to acquire nutrients. Tropical trees have evolved various mechanisms to overcome the inherent soil infertility, such as the symbiosis and interactions with soil microorganisms. Key mechanisms of this interplay are not yet accounted for in global models, and the response of tropical forests to unprecedented climatological conditions remains thus uncertain. This project sets out to utilize field and experimental knowledge from state-of-the-art monitoring programs and forest manipulation experiments in the Amazon rainforest to improve representations of tropical forests in land surface models to inform on effective adaption and mitigation measures.

You will develop novel formulations of plant-soil interactions that integrate trait-based processes of belowground ecology into vegetation models, with a focus on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in tropical forest ecosystems. Your code developments, model evaluations, and applications will focus on the multifunctionality of plant roots and their response to global change.

During your 4-year-long PhD, you will dive into the details of plant physiology, root and fungi ecology, soil organic matter dynamics, ecosystem ecology, community ecology, and climate change. You will engage with various aspects of trait-based modelling, Earth System science, biogeochemistry, and atmosphere-biosphere interactions. You will be supervised by Dr. Katrin Fleischer and Dr. Sebastiaan Luyssaert. The position benefits from strong international collaboration, in Europe, the US, and Brazil, so that you will work with an international and multi-faceted team of researchers.

• MSc in biology, ecology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, or equivalent
• Affinity for mathematics, programming, geo-ecology, and forest ecosystems
• You bring enthusiasm for learning
• You work well in a team, and are keen to work with researchers from diverse backgrounds

We recognize that diversity takes many forms and are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Your position will contribute to research, and that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum €2,872.00 (PhD) and maximum €3,670.00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate.
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Systems Ecology section of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment
The position is embedded in the section Systems Ecology, a vibrant research group with a strong global track record in biology, ecosystem science, and atmosphere-plant-soil-microbe interactions with organismal traits as a key connector. The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment offers a stimulating international research environment and state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics with the aim to advance the fundamental understanding of the interplay between life and its environment.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our research? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

To apply, please submit a motivation letter (max 1.5 pages), an academic CV, and names and contact information of three referees.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.