PhD-position in modeling the resilience of biodiversity in urban landscapes

Are you passionate about research and teaching, and would you like to work in a multidisciplinary team in the field of evolution, ecology, and conservation? Please consider joining Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and help shape the future.

Jouw functie

We invite applications for a PhD position in the SPARC project: “Species Population Ecological Trajectories & Resilience in Global Cities”. This project explores urban-induced population ecological trajectories and is part of a larger effort to understand how urbanization impacts the evolutionary potential of species worldwide (BEEACON - Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, And Cities’ Operational Nexus, led by dr. Joscha Beninde).

SPARC uses data-driven spatial modeling techniques to quantify the impact of urban landscapes. The project involves modeling habitat suitability and connectivity using a combination of species distribution modeling and current-flow modeling. Species’ traits and metrics of urban affinity will be used to differentiate species- and city-specific drivers of trajectories. Further, a species-level index will be developed to summarize trajectories, specifying the risks or benefits associated with urban land uses. This project focuses on 50,000+ species of all terrestrial taxonomic groups in hundreds of cities globally.

Your duties

• design and perform research for the project
• collaborate with partners from similar and different fields
• shape and refine the indicated research topic
• compile research findings into scientific presentations, publications, and a PhD thesis

Jouw profiel

• We seek a highly motivated student to pursue research at the interface of evolution, ecology and spatial statistics with the following profile:

• a master’s degree in a relevant field
• affinity with and strong motivation to focus on urban ecology
• proficient English writing skills are essential; communication at the Department is in English
• experience with programming for analyzing complex spatial data sets; knowledge in one or more of the following is desirable:
  • species distribution modelling (Maxent/RandomForest)
  • resistance-based connectivity modeling (Circuitscape/Omniscape)
  • geographic information systems (GIS), R, Python, Google Earth Engine (GEE)
• exceptional curiosity with advanced problem-solving abilities

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise 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, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Wat bieden wij

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

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
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Over ons

About the department

The Sub-department A-LIFE / Ecology & Evolution, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

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.

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.