[Taxacom] PhD position Plant Systematics Leiden, Netherlands

[Welzen, P. van (Peter)]

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Vacancy number 8-251

 

The National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Leiden University branch (NHN-L) and Hortus botanicus Leiden are offering a position for a: 

 

PhD-candidate in Plant Systematics (fulltime, 38 hours per week)

 

The NHN-L houses one of the leading herbarium collections in Europe and has two active, internationally oriented scientific research groups. The PITA group (Plant diversity of the Indo-Pacific and tropical Asia) has a strong focus on the flora of South-East Asia, and the PCNE group (Phanerogams and Cryptogams of the Netherlands and Europe) focuses on the flora of the Netherlands and groups as the algae, mosses and macrofungi. The Hortus botanicus provides a rich collection of living plants with special emphasis on Orchidaceae, Apocynaceae (Dischida, Hoya), myrmecophytic Rubiaceae, and carnivorous plants. 

 

Our collections are par excellence useful for anatomical and molecular/evo-devo (incl. ancient DNA) studies, and for bioinformatics research. 

 

Who fits the shoe?

You must have a degree (drs./MSc) in Biology and a strong interest and experience in plant taxonomy preferably including molecular and/or SEM/TEM techniques. To obtain the available position you have to write a research proposal of max 2 pages, preferably based on the collections available and the research performed at the NHN and/or botanical garden. Other research projects are also welcomed if the main focus is on morphology, anatomy and phylogenetics. As a person you are a driven and self-confident scientist with excellent technical, analytical and communicational skills.

 

The position

We offer you an appointment at Leiden University for a period of one year; after evaluation the appointment can be extended for another three years. 

You do not need to pay a tuition fee. The gross monthly salary is € 2000,- in the first year and increases progressively each year to € 2558,- in the fourth year. The appointment includes pension build-up and facilitates other benefits in accordance to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten). 

 

The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis within four years. During your appointment you will be supervised by one of the staff members of the NHN or Hortus botanicus as your co-promotor/co-advisor. Prof. Dr. Erik Smets is promotor/advisor. A PhD student at the NHN-L is imbedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science (www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl <http://www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl/> ) and the Research School Biodiversity (www.science.uva.nl/ibed/biodiversity/). These schools offer PhD courses on general (e.g. effective time management, scientific writing, presentation skills, etc.) and specialist subjects (molecular phylogenetics, economic botany, web-based taxonomy, etc.); in coordination with their supervisors PhD candidates are allowed to compile their own course program. Additionally, PhD students participate in the teaching at the BSc level at Leiden University. In general ca. 80% of the time is spend on your PhD research and ca. 20% on teaching and following courses.

 

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Erik Smets, Smets at NHN.Leidenuniv.nl or Dr. J.B. Mols, Mols at NHN.Leidenuniv.nl or visit http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl <http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl/>  and http://www.hortusleiden.nl <http://www.hortusleiden.nl/> .

 

Applications using the vacancy number and including a complete CV with marks obtained, a research proposal of two pages, and the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least two referees (who have agreed to be contacted) should be submitted before February 16th 2009 and only to:

Leiden University / Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Attn. Ms. M. van Schoonhoven, Human Resource Adviser

Human Resource department

P.O. Box 9504

2300 RA Leiden 

The Netherlands 

Or by mail to m.vanschoonhoven at science.leidenuniv.nl <mailto:m.vanschoonhoven at science.leidenuniv.nl> 

 

More information on working for the University can be found on: www.medewerkers.leidenuniv.nl <http://www.medewerkers.leidenuniv.nl/>  (Dutch site only) and on www.leidenuniv.nl/en/staff  (English site with information for international staff and PhD students).