Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
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The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of tree phenology and forest ecology.
Position
- You will work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of tree phenology and forest ecology. This project will investigate the drivers of the timing of spring budburst in deciduous tree species of temperate forests. In particular, you will study the impact on budburst of non-climatic factors, such as soil fertility and tree interactions (e.g. competition in mono-specific stands, facilitation in mixed stands). Moreover, you will test whether these factors can interact with climatic drivers (e.g. temperature, light). To achieve this, small scale experiments on young trees will be combined with observations from experimental plantations, monitoring of natural forests and the analysis of a new database that will combine budburst data to climatic- and non-climatic factors. These analyses will be done for the most common deciduous tree species of Europe. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the Université Paris-Saclay (France), where you will work for multiple short- (one week) and long stays (few months).
- You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You will carry out a very limited number of teaching and research support tasks within the research group PLECO (Plants and Ecosystems) of the Department of Biology.
Profile
- You hold a Master degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Forest- or Environmental Sciences. Holders of a master degree in related fields with proved knowledge of the topic and data analysis experience can also apply. Candidates obtaining their diploma by mid July can also apply.
- Research experience (e.g. master thesis) on plant and forest ecology, plant phenology, plant ecophysiology, or tree sciences is an important competence.
- You need to have relevant experience with data analysis and statistics using the R program or similar programming languages (e.g. Matlab, phyton, SAS).
- You can demonstrate excellent study results.
- You need to be fluent in written and oral English
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
What we offer
- Funding is available for a doctoral scholarship for 4 years. First, we will offer a contract of one year that can be renewed for three additional years following a positive evaluation.
- The planned start date is September 15 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- You will do most of your work at the Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 9 June 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following four attachments: (i) a motivation letter, (ii) your academic CV, and two files with results of a data analysis competence test: (iii) a report and (iv) a file with the code used (more info about the data analysis competence test is to be downloaded here https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/pleco/organisation/vacancies---employme/). Important: applications without the four files (for example, without the report of the data analysis competence test) will not be considered. Knowledge about data analysis competence will also be checked during the interview.
- The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made (in mid-late June), we will inform you about the next step in the selection procedure, which will comprise an interview.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Matteo Campioli [email protected].
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
