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Interested in working at the museum? Find our current job openings on this page.

Researcher in Marines Sciences, Ecosystem modelling (SW1, 3 months, m/f/x)

The candidate will work on ecosystem modelling in the frame of the research project CLIMDIS in cooperation with a Vietnamese institute.

Context

RBINS (https://www.naturalsciences.be/) is one of the ten federal scientific institutes. It executes multidisciplinary scientific research, offers services of public interest and is open for the public through its museum. The candidate will be working within the ecosystem modelling team (ECOMOD), which belongs to the Operational Directorate ‘Natural Environment’ within RBINS.

Tasks

The candidate will perform the following tasks in the frame of the CLIMDIS (Climate and Disaster Resilience) project financed by BELSPO:

  • Implement an existing biological module in the hydrodynamic COHERENS model set up of Ha Long Bay Vietnam and make this model operational, in close collaboration with and according to the needs of our Vietnamese  partners.
  • Validate the model and analyse results
  • Write annual project report
  • Organize and participate in the project meetings
  • Participate in the team meetings

Diploma

Interested candidates own at least a Master degree in sciences.

Technical competence

  • Mathematical interest and excellent programming skills
  • Skills in managing and handling big datasets
  • Experience with hydrodynamic models, preferably COHERENS
  • Good knowledge of scientific methodology, interest in performing research
  • Good scientific writing skills

Generic competence

  • Team spirit, proactivity
  • Excellent communication skills, as this is an interdisciplinary programme.
  • Good knowledge (writing, oral) of English
  • Willingness to travel to Vietnam

We offer

  • A fixed term full-time contract of 3 months, preferably from 01/02/2022, based at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, in Brussels, within the Operational Directorate ‘Natural Environment’. The contract could be prolonged providing funding opportunities.
  • Remuneration according to the scale for a grade SW1 scientific staff at the federal government.
  • The work place is the Royal Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences, 29 Rue Vautier, 1000 Brussels.
  • Free public transport or a bike allowance between home/work

How to apply

The candidates should send their motivation letter, CV and evidence of accomplished skills and competences at the latest 15/12/2021, by e-mail to glacroix@naturalsciences.be (reference: Application “Marine modelling”).

Interviews will take place in the first half of January 2022 at the buildings of RBINS Vautierstraat 29, B-1000 Brussels or by videoconference, depending on the COVID-19 measures.

The date of hiring will be as soon as possible. For more information on this job offer you can contact glacroix@naturalsciences.be.

Scientific researcher with a master’s degree (m/f/x)

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN) is looking for a researcher with a master's degree for a fixed-term contract.

From 1 February 2022: 7 months

Context

The successful candidate will work within the framework of a BIODIVERSA research project funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) entitled: "Biodiversity changes in African forests and emerging infectious diseases: should we be concerned?".

This project investigates pathogens for which small mammals in African forests act as a reservoir. In doing so, we are particularly focusing on Ebola and monkey pox viruses, two pathogens that are increasingly emerging from African rainforests and are of great public health concern. For this project, we are looking for two collaborators to perform analyses on available tissue collections from the consortium partners implementing the project.

Tasks

  • Molecular identification of mammals (DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing, ...)

Diploma

  • Diploma : Master's degree in science, biology, genomics, biotechnology, ...
  • Experience : maximum 3 years after obtaining your university degree

Technical competence

  • Experience working in a molecular genetics laboratory
  • Experience with processing and reporting DNA data in GenBank
  • Language skills : Dutch and/or French, English

Generic competence

  • Able to work independently, with the necessary resources
  • Collaborative, good interpersonal skills

We offer

  • Full time employment contract of fixed duration
  • Remuneration according to the legal scales for an assistant (depending on seniority)
  • Free public transportation between home and the Institute

How to apply

Please send your cover letter and CV with the contact details of two referees to erik.verheyen@naturalsciences.be  before December 5, 2021.

Scientific Programme Officer (m/w/x) CEBioS programme

Context

CEBioS is a programme of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), subsidized by the Directorate General of Development Cooperation (DGD).  

In the framework of  Belgian international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Belgian biodiversity strategy, CEBioS provides policy support and capacity building for partners of the Belgian development  cooperation regarding the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity to contribute  to poverty eradication.

Tasks

We are looking for a pro-active, experienced all-rounder with excellent communication and networking skills for (1) policy work as the national focal point to the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI), (2) practical support to our Clearing House Mechanism activities, and (3) managing our external communication and awareness activities.

Main tasks

  1. Policy work: act as the National GTI focal point for the CBD, which means active networking and policy development with the GTI community in Belgium and worldwide; active participation in the CBD processes and in –several fora such as the GTI forum and the Consortium of Scientific Partners; participation as a (co)pilot in the Belgian delegation to the negotiations during e.g. SBI, SBSTTA and COP of the CBD for national and EU positions.  It also includes being on the lookout for new cooperation, external projects & visibility opportunities in international organisations and platforms such as e.g.  IPBES, IUCN, GBIF and the Congo Basin Forest Partnership.
  • Diplomatic skills, maturity, strong perseverance and patience are strongly required; experience with CBD processes is an asset.
  1. Support to the National Focal Point to the Clearing House Mechanism of the CBD, hosted at CEBioS: for managing  the CMS for the Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) and provide CMS-training for stakeholders in Belgium and abroad.
  • experience with CMS systems or display the willingness to learn; expertise as a trainer are good assets.
  1. Communication and awareness: create adequate visibility of the CEBioS program and provide support, training, mentoring, and coaching for awareness projects of our partners in the South.
  • communication skills and experience,  openness and willingness to support our partners, having worked with /in (or having traveled in) Africa is an additional asset.

Additional tasks

  1. Be the CEBioS focal point for the series “AbcTaxa”;
  2. Act as a back-up for selected portfolios of colleagues.
  3. Be prepared to take up diverse responsibilities in the framework of our institutional cooperation (Benin, Burundi, DRC or other);
  4. Be ready to take up some monitoring & evaluation tasks;
  5. Be ready to be involved in the development of synergies with civil society within the Joint Strategic Frameworks and the Strategic Dialogues of the Belgian Development Cooperation;
  6. Be ready to travel, mainly to Africa, 3-6 times a year. 

Technical competence

  • At least a Master degree, if possible with extra training, in fields related to biodiversity, international relations, policy and development cooperation;
  • At least 10 years’ relevant professional experience, preferably in the field of (inter)national relations and communication;
  • Knowledge of international biodiversity policy and governance is a strong asset;
  • Fluency and excellent writing skills in French, English and Dutch.

Generic competence

  • A heart for biodiversity and capacity building in developing countries, especially in Africa ;
  • An open mind and enthusiastic, proactive and positive attitude towards our partners in the countries we work in ;
  • Enjoying to work independently while taking into account the needs of the other team members ;
  • Sense of duty;
  • Team spirit;
  • A positive and flexible  'can-do' attitude;
  • Excellent organizational, diplomatic and networking skills;
  • Structured and result-oriented;
  • Respecting deadlines and ready to work under pressure;
  • Open for new challenges;
  • Constructive strategic thinker.

We offer

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is located at 1000 Brussels, Rue Vautier 29. We offer a  project-based open-ended contract, with a salary according to the scales of scientific function SWI and relevant work experience.  

Additional information can be requested by email to Dr. Luc Janssens de Bisthoven, coordinator of the CEBioS program: ljanssens@naturalsciences.be.

A detailed CV, 2 references and a motivation letter must be sent by email to Dr. Luc Janssens de Bisthoven, coordinator of CEBioS, no later than 29 November 2021. The interviews will take place in December 2021. The  contract would preferably start on the 1st of February 2022.

One full-time researcher (m/w/x) – 50% Assistant Professor tenure track (UGent) and 50% Work Leader SW2 (RBINS) in Marine Ecologie

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS – Operational Directorate Natural Environment) and the Department of Biology of Ghent University are initiating a research profile within the domain of marine ecology. The function consists of developing and conducting research into the relationship between functional diversity of marine ecosystems and ecosystem stability, through a combination of experimental research and ecological modelling. The position is placed within the FED-tWIN research profile METRIC (Marine EcosysTem Responses In a multiple pressures Context; FED-tWIN-profile Prf-2020-009), which focuses on the interchange of food web research and research into biogeochemical processes through a holistic approach. Pressure on marine ecosystems and ecosystem services is rising sharply as a result of Global Change (including warming, ocean acidification, etc.) and local human activities (including fishing, sand extraction, extraction of nodules). Although it is becoming increasingly clear that the interactions between the intrinsic ecological dynamics and the combined effects of disturbance can lead to a loss of resilience and an increasing risk of regime shifts, predicting that loss of resilience due to disturbance remains a challenge. Within METRIC, therefore, theoretical ecological concepts will be explored in a marine context. This work should lead to the merger of various lines of research aimed at explaining biological patterns, and the development of predictive models that estimate the consequences of cumulative global and local pressures on the resilience of the marine system. In this way the research will contribute to sustainable development, use and management of marine ecosystems.

Context

This position is part of the FED-tWIN program of the federal science policy, which aims to combine and mutually reinforce the expertise of a federal scientific institution and a university through the funding of a long-term research project. The METRIC project (FED-tWIN-profile Prf-2020-009) is a joint initiative of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and GhentUniversity with Prof. Dr. Steven Degraer (RBINS) and Prof. Dr. Ann Vanreusel (UGent) as promoters. The position consists of a part-time position at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and a part-time position at Ghent University. The candidate must be willing to hold both parttime positions and must also apply for both positions. Applying to only one of the two half-time positions is not possible.
About Ghent University
Ghent University is one of the most important educational and research institutions in the Low Countries. More than 9,000 employees and 41,000 students live up to the motto “Dare to Think” every day. High-quality education, internationally acclaimed research and a pluralistic social responsibility characterize the mission of Ghent University. The Marine Biology research group(https://www.marinebiology.ugent.be/) as part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, has a long tradition in marine research with a focus on benthic ecosystems where both aspects of biodiversity and the link to ecosystem functions and processes as well as the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and their biological resources are key research areas. This research makes use of the experimental facilities as well as the chemical and biological laboratories present in the research group as part of the European research infrastructure EMBRC (www.EMBRC.Be).
About the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural sciences - OD Natural Environment
The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) is one of ten federal scientific institutions. It carries out intensive scientific research, performs public utility services and is open to everyone through the Museum of Natural Sciences. The RBINS comprises three scientific operational directorates (OD) that carry out diverse palaeontological or geologicalcollections. The OD Natural Environment (OD Natuur, https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/science/do/98) is a knowledge center in fundamental and applied research into biodiversity and ecosystems, thereby supporting the protection and sustainable management of the natural environment. The METRIC project is carried out within RBINS by the Marine Ecology and Management (MARECO, https://mareco-odnaturenaturalsciences.be/) research group. MARECO focuses on research into the effects of artificialhard substrates on the marine ecosystem, research into marine mammals, (sea) birds and bats in the marine environment, marine conservation and restoration, and monitoring.MARECO plays an important advisory role in the development of marine environmental policy and management.
Place of employment
  • Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
  • Ghent University, Department of Biology, Research Group Marine Biology, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
An equitable distribution of time present at each of the two workplaces is required.AssigmentThe position consists of a joint commitment of both partners, RBINS and Ghent University withan assignment in scientific research, academic education and scientific services:.
Academic education
In the field of academic education, the researcher is responsible for teaching tasks (theoretical and practical exercises) provided to the Biology (UGent), International Master in Marine Biological Resources and/or Interuniversity Master in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management degree programs in marine biology and ecology and /or related disciplines such as ecological modelling, experimental techniques or biostatistics
Academic Research
The scientific research within the METRIC project contains 4 scientific research topics:
  1. Food web topology as a framework to investigate stability and resilience of marine ecosystems;
  2. Experimental research into the effect of multiple pressures on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning;
  3. Development of predictive ecological models through the integration of research into food web topology and research into the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning;
  4. The relationship between the structure and function of the marine ecosystem and the ecosystem services it provides.
The research will initially be conducted in the Belgian part of the North Sea, where the introduction of wind farms is a model for the local activity that results in multiple pressures on the ecosystem. The successful candidate will use and further develop the acquired expertise for research in deep-sea and polar environments.
Academic services
The researcher will be involved in the valorisation and communication of the research results, both to specialists through scientific reports, conference participation and publications in peerreviewed journals, as well as to a wider audience. The FED-tWIN researcher will use data in unpublished research reports that will be integrated and analysed for this purpose. As theMETRIC project will provide important knowledge that can be put at the service of the management and use of the marine environment, the FED-tWIN researcher will liaise with the authorities responsible for the management of the marine environment and representatives of the Blue Economy, both at national and international level.

 

Diploma

Admission requirements
  • You hold a thesis-based doctorate or a diploma or certificate that is recognised as equivalent(artikel V.20 Codex Hoger Onderwijs) in Biology, Marine Sciences, Bioscience Engineering or a related discipline.
  • You have at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience on the date of appointment. The period of 5 years is determined on the basis of the date stated on the diploma and the date of submission of the application.
  • The doctorate was obtained maximum 12 years before submission of the candidacy. This 12-year period is extended by one year for any absence due to pregnancy, parental or adoption leave, as well as long-term absence due to illness of the candidate or long-term absence due to illness of a first-degree relative.
When assessing a foreign (non-EU) diploma, an equivalence certificate must still be requested from NARIC; we recommend that you – if necessary – start the recognition procedure at NARIC as soon as possible. You must have this recognition no later than the date of appointment.

Technical competence

Required skills and competences
In conjunction with the four research topics listed under “assignment”, candidates should hold the following competences and skills:
  1. A thorough knowledge of theoretical ecology, with a special focus on the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the central theme of this project.
  2. A proven track record of experimental research on the functioning of biodiversity and ecosystems, and/or experimental studies on the stability and recovery dynamics of marine ecosystems and/or the analysis of food webs or other networks, as a fundamental basis for a rapid start of the research.
  3. Demonstrated experience in compiling and analysing complex datasets to optimally combine and analyse existing and newly collected data in an ecological context of biodiversity, biogeochemistry, food web dynamics and human pressures.
  4. Proven track record in acquiring national and international research funding to ensure a sustainable future for the collaboration between RBINS and UGent on this research theme.
  5. Experience in supervising research and/or coaching PhD students, attracting promising PhD students to contribute to the further development of the research topic, and opening opportunities for innovative research side-lines.

 

Generic competence

Recommended expertise:
  • A strong interest in manipulative experiments in both laboratory and field conditions.
  • A strong interest in ecological modelling, as an important tool to translate observations and insights into predictions regarding the resilience of ecosystems.
  • A strong interest in contributing to the link between science and policy, to ensure the societal relevance of research (i.e. society-driven determination of research priorities and conversion of research results for management and policy making).
  • Experience with team management to help develop and expand the collaboration between the research groups of RBINS and UGent.
  • Good interpersonal skills; team player and effective communicator to colleagues, employees, students and external contacts.
  • Strong didactic skills, to be used for teaching tasks at Ghent University.
  • Willing to spend time abroad (sampling, conferences, research stays...), as part of a broad and open attitude to disseminate both the expertise built up within the group as well as to acquire new developments/methods/... while expanding the international scientific network.

We offer

Appointment information
  • The position consists of a joint commitment of both partners, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and Ghent University: A part-time (50%) contract of indefinite duration of at least 10 years at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) as Work Leader (SW2), in combination with a part-time (50%) appointment at Ghent University (UGent) as an Assistant Professor tenure track for a term of five years. If positively evaluated by the University Board, the term of office will be transferred into a permanent appointment as an associate professor. At that moment the time devoted to research, education and academic services may be altered.
  • Place of employment: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels and Ghent University in Ghent.
  • 38h working week, variable work schedule (RBINS and Ghent University).
The candidate must be willing to hold both part-time positions and must also apply for both positions. Applying for only one of the two half-time positions is not possible. The candidate adheres to the regulations of both institutions.
Our offer
The ZAP career policy at UGent is based on talent development and growth, in which vision development and strategy - both personal and at group level - are central. UGent focuses on career guidance and coaching of the ZAP member in the various phases of his or her career. More info about the ZAP career: https://www.ugent.be/zaploopbaan Every UGent staff member can count on a number of benefits such as a bicycle allowance, reimbursement of public transport commuting pass, child care, a wide range of sports, ecocheques, etc. https://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/personeelsvoordelen.htm RBINS offers a dynamic, challenging, varied and stimulating research environment. Full reimbursement for commuting by public transport and/or a bicycle allowance are among the employee benefits at RBINS. 
Gender en diversity
The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and Ghent University conduct an equal opportunities policy and encourage everyone to apply. They also strive for a gender balance. Applications by women are thus especially welcomed. After the deadline for application, all received applications are provided to both selection committees, one at RBINS and one at UGent, Faculty of Sciences. In a first step, both committees independently evaluate all applications based on the received dossiers. They particularly assess the application files against the required expertise for the vacant position with respect to research, education and academic services. Both committees independently rank the candidates and make a shortlist. Only those candidates that appear on the shortlist of both committees will be retained for the final selection round (including an interview and additional tasks such as, for instance, a lecture), for which the two selection committees are joined together with an equal weight of votes. The joint selection committee ranks the candidates and clearly motivates the proposed ranking. At the UGent side, this proposed ranking is then submitted to the Faculty of Sciences for approval. If approved by the Faculty, the proposal is submitted to the Executive Council for final approval. At RBINS, the proposed ranking is checked by the Financial Inspection and finally approved by the General Director. Periods of maternity leave, long sick leave, parental leave, care leave or other long absences from work are taken into account when evaluating the scientific productivity of a candidate.

 

How to apply

Apply before 03/12/2021. We do not accept late applications. You should apply by sending an email to Mrs. Yolande Maes (ymaes@naturalsciences.be), including your letter of motivation, CV and copies of the doctoral diploma. Use "FED-tWIN METRIC" as the subject of your email. This application is the sole application for both parttime positions. The following information/documents should be included in your application:
  • List, and briefly elaborate on, your 5 most important academic achievements at the end of your motivation letter.
  • Make sure to include a complete overview of your scientific publications in your CV; information that should be added includes the 2-year impact factor of the journal and year of publication for each of your publications in WoS-listed journals, as well as the best quartile ranking of the journals (Q1,…,Q4).
  • Add transcripts of your PhD diploma. If you hold a diploma that was issued in a different language than the Belgian national languages (Dutch, French, German) or than English, you should add a certified translation in one of these four languages.
  • In case you hold a PhD degree issued by a country outside the European Union, you should add a certificate of equivalence issued by NARIC. If you do not yet have such a certificate, you can still provide it at a later stage during the selection procedure.
More information
For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact the promotors: Steven Degraer(sdegraer@naturalsciences.be ) and/or Ann Vanreusel (ann.vanreusel@ugent.be). For additional information regarding the selection procedure, please contact Fedtwinspoc@naturalsciences.be of the RBINS or the Department ‘Werving en Selectie’ of UGent(selecties@UGent.be).

 

Spontaneous applications

Send your profile by email to jobs@naturalsciences.be

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