The Faculty of Science and Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) are looking for:

1 Postdoctoral researcher related to applying Industrial Ecology (IE) tools to quantify environmental impacts of future resource scenarios of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector.

Vacancy number: 15034

Are you a curious scientist, wanting to bridge IE systems analysis with applications in built environment sustainability?

Does combining IE models with AEC innovations, to transform building practices towards waste-sourced and fast-growing biobased materials pique your interest?

Do you have experience with prospective lifecycle assessment (pLCA) and/or dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) or want to learn and apply these approaches in building systems to help decarbonise our built environment?

If so, the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) at Leiden University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience and an affinity with applying IE modelling methods to study questions relating to decarbonising our built environment. We are particularly interested in candidates familiar with pLCA , dMFA and if possible (but not required) biobased building materials.

Key responsibilities
Specifically, the postdoctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary consortium to cocreate future resource scenarios of the European AEC sector towards waste-based and fast-growing biobased materials and apply IE modelling methods to quantitatively evaluate potential environmental impacts of the envisaged future resource scenarios. With these efforts, we aim to deliver critical information needed for meaningful AEC decarbonisation strategies.

The project is part of European Innovation Council (EIC) founded research program targeting pathfinder challenges of AEC digitalization, that links many collaborators of a portfolio of projects across numerous European academic institutions, private enterprises, and NGOs, ultimately offering a unique, large, and dynamic research network. Within the network, the candidate will be expected to liaise with others and potentially travel to various countries across Europe.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in the research group of Dr. Hu, targeting on Quantitative Sustainability Assessment of the Built Environment. It comprised of 3-4 PhD students and numerous master students. You will work alongside PhD candidates of similar topics and be expected to offer some degree of mentorship. Besides, Prof. Tukker, Dr. Cucurachi and Dr. Thonemann, also involved in the Pathfinder project could advise circular economy and ex-ante prospective LCA modelling. Furthermore, funding for this position also offers the postdoctoral researcher the ability to attend multiple national and international conferences.

Dr. Hu is dedicated to an inclusive and open research environment to promote passion, independence, and transferable skills for whatever future career goals the candidate may have. In our research group, we strongly value a collaborative approach. Researchers will enter an environment of informal weekly exchange to promote progress and cohesion within the larger research group, while, if wish, can also engage with broader groups through weekly IE meetings, biweekly Urban updates (led by Dr. Remme and Dr. Hu), and regular meetings of Resource and LCA groups etc.

You are expected to:

• Be responsible for the deliverables of the EIC Pathfinder challenge project on behalf of CML
• Work with supervisors outlining research methodologies and proposals
• Be comfortable and confident working independently when required
• Contribute to a dynamic research group involved in IE analysis and biobased transition of the AEC sector both within our institute and with project collaborators in other countries
• Contribute to a mentorship role for PhD candidates

Selection criteria:

The preferred candidate has

• At least a PhD degree, ideally in Industrial Ecology, Computational Architecture, Biochemistry, Sustainability, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Experience with sustainability assessment of biobased building materials, prospective LCA and building stock modelling
• Particular strengths with Machine Learning or Deep Learning approaches
• Strong data management, visualisation, and programming skills (e.g. in R, Python, or other) are a prerequisite.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills (e.g., as evidenced through publications and presentations at conferences)
• Demonstrable proactive and flexible attitude
• You are a team player, and can communicate your work to other researchers of various disciplines within and outside of the CML
• Fluent in English, verbally and in writing
  

Research at our Institute/Faculty
Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36km) and Den Haag (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 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 driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look 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 is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised 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 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 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.

The environmental science research in CML is organised around two major research areas: ‘Industrial Ecology’ and ‘Environmental Biology’. This makes CML one of the few institutes covering both the circular, sustainable economic use of natural resources and natural capital, as well as assessing the environmental impacts of economic activities on natural resources, biodiversity and natural capital. Presently, over 140 FTE (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University (Rotterdam) in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS).

Terms and conditions
We offer a one-year position with the possibility of renewal up to 30 months based on need, funding, and performance. The salary range for the postdoc position is from € 3.226,00 to € 5.090,00 gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model allows you to assemble your own set of terms and conditions from outside the Netherlands and may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

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. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website. Female researchers are also welcomed to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Information
Enquiries can be made to hu@cml.leidenuniv.nl, or sollicitaties@cml.leidenuniv.nl for general questions.

Applications
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number.

• CV – highlighting any research and teaching or mentoring related experiences.
• A publication list.
• A cover/motivation letter.
• The names and contact information of two referees.

Only applications received before 5th of September will be considered.