Assistant / Associate Professor in Material Flow Analysis

Assistant / Associate Professor in Material Flow Analysis

The Faculty of Science, the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is looking for an outstanding academic with a passion for advancing both research and teaching in Industrial Ecology, particularly with expertise in Material Flow Analysis (MFA). Do you develop the next generation of MFA models and scenarios? Or are you conducting innovative research into one or more MFA topics such as the material stocks of society; urban- or socioeconomic metabolism; critical materials; economy-wide material flow accounting; circular economy’s potentials; and/or the relations of materials to development, wellbeing, and environmental and societal impacts? Are you eager to advance actionable policy-relevant quantitative assessment of circularity options, resource efficiency, and materials criticality at multiple spatial and temporal scales? Then come join us at the forefront of Industrial Ecology research at the CML.

You will join one of the biggest global centers of Industrial Ecology research, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters both collaboration and scientific independence. Our institution prioritizes your personal and professional growth, providing structured career-development opportunities, including personalized mentoring and robust support systems tailored to your aspirations. We offer a dynamic research and teaching environment where you will enjoy scientific independence while collaborating with leading experts in the field. We value diverse career pathways and recognize that each academic journey is unique. Whether your strengths and interests lie in teaching, research, or a combination of both, we offer flexible opportunities that empower you to shape your career in alignment with your goals.

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research and deliver high-quality teaching centered on Material Flow Analysis (MFA), potentially in combination with other sustainability assessment methods, while also contributing to broader initiatives at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML).

As a faculty member, you will also play a key role in our diverse teaching portfolio, including: the BSc in Science for Sustainable Societies, the Minor in Sustainable Development, the MSc in Industrial Ecology, and the MSc in Governance and Sustainability. Beyond research and teaching, we expect you to take an active role in strengthening our academic community through participation in administrative leadership and institutional governance.

The years of experience and type of work post-PhD can vary. What matters most is your potential and passion for contributing to the field of Material Flow Analysis (MFA). We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in Material Flow Analysis (MFA), demonstrated by a relevant PhD thesis or postdoc experience, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Holds a PhD degree in a field related to industrial ecology, quantitative sustainability assessment, ecological economics, environmental sciences or engineering, or similar disciplines.
• Is a collaborative team player with a strong ability to work across disciplines.
• Demonstrates excellence in research, with advanced quantitative skills in data analysis and modelling.
• Is ambitious and has a clear vision for developing and leading impactful, independent research.
• Brings experience in teaching and supervision and is willing to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; BKO in Dutch) within two years if not already attained.
• Has experience with securing external research funding and development of collaborative projects or is motivated to do this.
• Possesses excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Is proficient in spoken and written English, and is open to learning Dutch for teaching and administrative purposes.

Don't meet every item on this long list? Apply anyway! We value potential as much as experience.

Research at our faculty

Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff.

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,800 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Terms and conditions

We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for up to permanent contract based on performance, following the pay scale 11-13 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 4,537 to € 7,651 gross per month based on a full-time position.

At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office
• PhD student support: As a PhD student, you’ll be part of the Graduate School of Science, which offers a variety of training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally.

Diversity

At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers.

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Information

Enquiries can be made to sollicitaties@cml.leidenuniv.nl