Permanent full-time scientific position - Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - Field: Soil health

The job of first assistant in the field of “Soil Health” within the only Department at GxABT (within the “Water – Soil – Plant Interaction research group). This post includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the community.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

1. The teaching activities connected to this post include managing (practical work, excursions, laboratory, etc.) the teaching units organised by the “Water – Soil – Plant Interactions” research group, as well as managing or supervising internships, final dissertations, projects, etc.
2. Among other things, the teaching activities include contributing to the following courses:
   • Soil Sciences (Bachelor’s in Engineering Sciences, bioengineering option)
   • Genesis, analysis, and functioning of soils (collegial course in the Master’s in Bioengineering: environmental sciences and technologies)

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

1. Research must be developed on the following themes within the “Water – Soil – Plant Interactions” research group:
   • Understanding the processes of pedogenesis and the determinants of the biogeochemical functioning of soils and soil health;
   • Quantified evaluation of the sensitivity of soils to the risk of degradation linked to major environmental changes;
   • Sustainable soil management to guarantee the provision of essential ecosystem services.
2. Applicants must put forward a detailed research plan lasting four years and covering these themes. In addition, a concrete vision of research in the long-term should be presented, including how it would be integrated within GxABT and collaboration with other regional, national, European, and international stakeholders.
3. To support their plan, the successful applicant will have access to the existing research and technology infrastructure within the TERRA research unit of GxABT and can count on collaboration with colleagues working within these structures.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

1. Activities relating to services to the community will be progressively identified, taking into account the needs of the University and the individual’s skills, in partnership with the deanery and departmental authorities.
2. Depending on the individual’s areas of interest, they will thus make a valuable contribution to scientific communication, promoting the Faculty, and external and international relations, as well as to the management of shared research infrastructures.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED / PROFILE

• Hold a research doctorate and have post-doctoral experience in the relevant field;
• Show evidence of recognised international collaborations relevant to the themes of the vacancy and a desire to develop these partnerships;
• Demonstrate the ability to teach in French and English or commit to be able to do so within two years of being appointed. Where relevant, prior teaching activities should be mentioned;
• Be able to work independently and in a team, with excellent organisational and coordination skills;
• Be available for various activities relating to services to the community;
• Have good communication skills and the ability to make scientific topics understandable to non-specialists;
• Adhere to the quality management and continuous improvement system established by the University.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

1. Applications will be examined by a Faculty Committee responsible for selecting applicants to be interviewed. They will explain their decisions in terms of this vacancy notice and the applicants’ qualifications and skills. The Faculty Committee will conduct interviews, which will cover the applicants’ CVs, their teaching and research plans, integration into the University, and French and English skills. The interview will include a mock teaching exercise, the modalities of which will be set by the Faculty Committee. This interview should be held – in principle – before the end of 2025 or at the start of 2026.
2. Our institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunity. We select candidates based on their qualities and regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

APPLICATIONS

Applications should be made using the online form available on the following website: https://my.uliege.be/portail/go_xt.do?a=o%7C11004%7Ce%7C626366 To be eligible, applications must be submitted no later than 30/11/2025 (before midnight Belgian time).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae, strictly following the model which can be downloaded HERE.
• Copies of diplomas and certificates.
• A copy of the most representative publications (maximum 5).
• Report on prior and current research and teaching activities (maximum 4 pages).
• Research plan including planned integration into the University of Liège (maximum 4 pages).
• Teaching plan (maximum 2 pages).
• Plan for developing services to the community (maximum 1 page).

These documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the online application platform (see link in the "APPLICATIONS" section).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The appointment will be made for a two-year renewable term and may lead to a permanent appointment after an evaluation or, in certain exceptional circumstances, immediately on a permanent basis.

INFORMATION

Those wishing to apply for the post are invited to consult the Faculty website at www.gembloux.uniliege.be and the TERRA research unit website at www.terra.uliege.be to familiarise themselves with the organisation and activities at the Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech campus. Further information may be obtained from the Dean of the Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, only at the following e-mail address decanat.gembloux@uliege.be.

REMUNERATION

The salary grids and their rules of application are available from the Human Resources Department of the University: Ms Valérie MELOTTE – val.melotte@uliege.be