A research institution is developing bio-based, waste-derived, and circular façade systems that integrate plant growth. The project goal is to develop bio-based facade panels that keep buildings cool, insulate, support biodiversity, and contribute to more sustainable urban environments. The team consists of people with backgrounds in design, materials, biomaterial chemistry, architecture, biology, engineering, sustainability, and the built environment.
What you do
- Investigate how plant-soil-insect interactions develop in ecosystems with shallow soils and translate these ecological insights into design principles for next-generation green façades.
- Contribute to a better understanding of how ecological communities establish and function in constrained urban environments.
- Help develop façade systems that support biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
- Combine fundamental and applied research to develop innovative green façade concepts that enhance ecosystem complexity and deliver key ecosystem services, including thermal insulation, carbon sequestration, microclimate regulation, and habitat provision for insects and other arthropods.
- Design and set up mini-ecosystems in minimal soil/vertical environments at various Living/Field Lab locations.
- Monitor their performance, biodiversity, and impact for energy efficiency.
- Design the façade-panel experiments in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher.
- Analyze ecological and physiological data.
- Contribute to scientific publications.
- Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners to translate scientific insights into practical applications.
- Teach in courses and supervise BSc and MSc students in biodiversity-themed research.
What they ask
- A successfully completed MSc degree in forest- and nature conservation or biology.
- Extensive knowledge of the Dutch flora, able to accurately identify plant species in the field.
- A strong interest in ecological interactions, including relationships between plants, insects, and soil organisms.
- Interest in and initial experience with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration.
- Ability to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including design, engineering, education, and ecology.
- Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English.
- Experience with teaching and scientific writing.
- Command of the English and Dutch language is expected to be at C1 level.
Profile
- An enthusiastic, highly motivated, and curious candidate.
- Can translate botanical and ecological expertise into successful designs of biodiverse, climate-resilient, aesthetically attractive, and multifunctional green facades.
- Enjoys working in interdisciplinary teams.
- Will bring strong botanical expertise to a collaborative group of researchers, designers, and material developers.
Practical
- The research is embedded within a biosystematics group and a laboratory of entomology.
- You will work one day a week together with other PhDs and Post-docs from the project team at an external location in a major city.
- You will be embedded in a graduate school, which will allow you to follow a wide variety of training courses and provide support during your academic journey.
How to apply
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