Research assistant position: Life Cycle Assessment data upload of aquatic food data to the HESTIA platform

Location: Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, the Netherlands
Duration: Four months, with possibility of extension

HESTIA provides an open-access platform that stores standardised LCA data on agri-food production. We also provide harmonised and transparent models to calculate multiple environmental impact indicators and enable benchmarking against similar farms. This allows our users to discern sustainable producers, products, and practices, and deliver science- and data-driven improvements in sustainability. The platform has been developed at Oxford Martin School, Oxford University, together with Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University.

We are currently looking for a research assistant with a Master’s Degree or similar to help us format and upload data on aquatic foods to the platform. The candidate should ideally be experienced with LCA, have knowledge in environmental assessments of agri-food products, and have an eye for detail. Knowledge about aquatic food production is an advantage, but not a must.

Tasks
The assistant will work closely with our team to review an agri-food dataset from IFPRI and upload it to the HESTIA platform using our schema and glossary of terms. The assistant may also help to contribute to advancements of the platform, such as glossary terms and emission models, and evaluate life cycle impact assessment results.

What we offer

• An 1 FTE employment contract for the duration of a 4-months position with the possibility of extension
• Salary ranges from € 2.844 gross per month to € 3.420 gross per month based on a full-time position (pay scale 6 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Flexible working hours: As a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 232 leave hours based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. However, you have the flexibility to adjust your working hours. You may choose to work two more or two fewer hours per week, allowing you to accrue or use extra hours accordingly.”
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options.
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands.
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

Information

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr Patrik Henriksson, Assistant Professor at p.j.g.henriksson@cml.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until October 29th; applications will be processed immediately.

Application
The starting date is as soon as possible.

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
• Any relevant publications (if you have) or writing sample (e.g. MSc thesis)
• A description of your skills and experience as they relate to those called for in the job description
• Contact details to at least two references

Send your application as soon as possible but at the latest before 27th October 2024.