Vacancy: Professorship in Vadose Zone Processes

The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a professorship in Vadose Zone Processes. We invite applicants with expertise in the hydrology of the vadose zone that includes the development of quantitative methods for predicting flow and transport phenomena. A clear interest in fundamental research to better understand vadose zone processes is highly desirable. We particularly seek applicants with experience and interest in forming collaborative research with other Earth and environmental science disciplines (geophysics, land-atmosphere-climate, Earth observatories, etc.). We will consider exceptional applicants from other domains of relevance to vadose zone processes.
The position will be based in the Institute of Earth Sciences, equipped with a high-performance computing cluster, a world-class pool of near-surface geophysical instruments, and state-of-the art geochemical laboratory facilities. The institute has a strong competence in observational and quantitative solid Earth processes, including numerical modeling, and is home to a leading research group in hydrogeophysics. Additionally, the selected candidate will be an associated member of the newly formed Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, which offers numerous opportunities for collaboration related to biogeochemical and element transfer processes in the critical zone as well as soil and sediment dynamics.
The candidate must have a sufficient background in and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching of a range of hydrological topics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching activities will also include participating in doctoral programs and supervising Master and Ph.D. students. The ability to teach in French has to be acquired within two years of the appointment.
The successful candidate is expected to have a proven capacity or potential of developing an internationally competitive research program and to attract the required external funding.

General information
The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment [FGSE] of the University of Lausanne is a young and dynamic faculty launched in 2003. It consists of three research institutes (Earth Sciences, Geography and Sustainability, and Earth Surface Dynamics) and a School to manage teaching and training across these research domains. The FGSE is a multidisciplinary structure combining both natural and human sciences. It is part of a larger network composed of several institutional partners from Geneva [UNIGE], Neuchâtel [UNINE] as well as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne [EPFL]. It also works with regional, national or international partners.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and dynamic scientist with a dedication to excellence in both research and teaching to actively participate in the development of a rapidly evolving and well-equipped faculty, scenically located on the shores of Lake Geneva, a region of outstanding natural beauty offering a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and an exceptionally high quality of life.

Application
Appointment is expected at the Associate Professor level or at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track), with Associate Professor status within 5-6 years. Appointment at the Full Professor level may be considered under exceptional circumstances. The University of Lausanne is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women are particularly encouraged.
Application deadline: January 15, 2015
Starting date: August 1, 2015 (or to be agreed upon)
Applications are to be submitted by e-mail only to the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment (vadose.gse@unil.ch). The application material should include:

• a letter explaining the reasons for applying;
• a Curriculum Vitae including the year of birth and the date of the PhD thesis defense with its title;
• a list of publications;
• a statement of research and teaching goals and interest (not exceeding 3 pages);
• pdfs of the five most significant publications;
• the names and contact information of five referees.

The full application should be contained in one pdf, except for publications that may be submitted sequentially. The maximum file size that can be received by the University of Lausanne e-mail system is 10 Mb

Further information about the Faculty is available at: http://www.unil.ch/gse and the Institute at http://www.unil.ch/iste.

For any specific enquiries, please contact Prof. Othmar Müntener (othmar.muntener@unil.ch) Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences.

The application should be sent electronically to: vadose.gse@unil.ch. An automatic reply will acknowledge reception of the file. In case of problem, please contact tania.sardi@unil.ch.