Technology will play an important role in mitigating climate change and other environmental challenges humanity is facing. In order to develop more sustainable technology, it is important to assess the environmental performance of future technologies and guide technology development accordingly. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the method of choice for this.
We are looking for a software developer or researcher with good programming skills to support us in ongoing international LCA research projects. The candidate is also expected to take the lead in further developing the Activity Browser open source LCA software (https://github.com/LCA-ActivityBrowser/activity-browser). It is based on the brightway framework (https://brightway.dev/) and has a rapidly growing user base. Although we are looking for a self-motivated candidate that will take on his/her projects both from a scientific and software development perspective, the candidate can rely on our profound experience with LCA and the previous development of the Activity Browser.
Key tasks
- Programming support in LCA projects
- Further development of the Activity Browser and brightway
Selection criteria
- Solid programming knowledge, preferably in Python. Previous experience with software development is a plus.
- Independent mind and own initiative to contribute to LCA projects and software
- Ability to work in a team and to actively seek out to project partners.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills.
- An interest in sustainability. Knowledge in the fields of industrial ecology, LCA, or related disciplines is a plus, but not strictly required.
Research at our faculty
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 of Science 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 Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 125 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, and other partners.
For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at. Information about CML can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences.
Terms and conditions
We offer a one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The salary range is from € 2.790 to € 4.402 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 gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Bernhard Steubing (b.r.p.steubing@cml.leidenuniv.nl), or Prof.dr. Arnold Tukker (tukker@cml.leidenuniv.nl)
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to sollicitaties@cml.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- CV
- A motivation letter
- The names and phone numbers of two referees
Only applications received before January 31, 2021 will be considered.
Interviews will take place on February 9, 2021 between 9 AM and 1 PM. You are kindly requested to be available on this date.