In the Science, Engineering and Technology Group of KU Leuven, Faculty of Science, Department of Earth and environmental sciences, there is a full-time academic vacancy in the area of teaching and learning processes in the geosciences on campus Leuven.
The main mission of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is to conduct high-quality scientific research regarding the functioning of geo- and ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales, including human-environment interactions and the sustainable management of natural resources. Members of the department contribute to education in various degree programs centered on geo- and ecosystems, including bachelor's and master's degrees in geography, geology and bioengineering, and master's programs in tourism and sustainable development. In addition, through the Master of Teaching in Science & Technology, the department also contributes to the training of future geography teachers. To strengthen this program and to develop research into teaching and learning processes in the geosciences, the department is looking for internationally oriented candidates with a research track record and excellent educational competence in the field of geosciences. Candidates are expected to observe teaching assignments in Dutch, hence, a command of Dutch at CEFR level C1 is required when you are recruited.
As a researcher on teaching and learning in a STEAM-domain, the candidate will be a member of LESEC. LESEC stands for Leuven Engineering and Science Education Center. It is a community of researchers and practitioners contributing to the advancement of education in the Science, Engineering and Technology group through research, networking and the exchange of experiences.
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You are expected to develop an international-level research program that focuses on teaching and learning processes in the broad domain of geosciences and sustainability. Your research can focus on subject-specific themes within the subject of geography and/or iSTEM in high school education, as well as on teaching and learning processes in university education on geosciences and the broader theme of sustainability (sustainability thinking), which can be interwoven in different disciplines. Research into (geo)science education, the development and evaluation of citizen science projects, and/or the optimization of adoption processes for sustainability in society are also among the possible research themes.
We welcome candidates who link their strong scientific expertise in an interdisciplinary context to the various geoscientific disciplines within the department and to other pedagogical expertise outside the department. You will also set up partnerships outside the department, and will perform research in collaboration with the Leuven Engineering and Science Education Center (LESEC) of which you will be part. You will publish at the highest scientific level, acquire funding for research, expand international cooperation and supervise doctorates of international level.
The aim of the research is to contribute to the understanding of the teaching and learning processes regarding geoscientific subject content and sustainability, with the aim of increasing the quality and efficiency of education in the geosciences and integrating sustainability aspects more explicitly in our different educational curricula.
You ensure high-quality education within the area of geography education within the Master of Teaching in Science and Technology, with a clear commitment to the quality of the programme as a whole.
You also contribute to the pedagogic project of the faculty/university through the supervision of master theses and as a promoter of PhD students.
You develop your teaching in accordance with KU Leuven’s vision on activating and researched-based education and make use of the possibilities for the educationalist professionalization offered by the faculty and the university.
As academic staff of KU Leuven, you play an important role in society through your research and teaching, but also through your active participation in the public debate, and by contributing to policy-supporting projects for governments of local, European and/or international level. In particular, you will maintain the relationships between academia and secondary education in the domain of geography. You will take an active role in councils, educational committees, university working groups, in particular of the department and faculty to which you belong.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Patrick Degryse, tel.: +32 16 32 64 60, mail: patrick.degryse@kuleuven.be. For problems with online applying, please contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.
Add to your application following documents (more information is available on the KU Leuven job site):
- your biosketch in which you indicate your added value as an academic for research, education and service to society of your past career and of your future activities (maximum 2 pages);
- a file on your five most important publications or realizations;
- an extensive cv (including a full publication list);
- your research plan with focus on the development of your research line and research team in relation with the colleague-researchers of the entity of employment (maximum 4 pages);
- your vision on academic education and its organization (maximum 2 pages);
- your contribution to society by outreach and public communication on science and technology, internal representation in boards and councils and service activities directly in relation to your developed expertise (maximum 1 page);
- your vision on leadership (maximum 1 page).
KU Leuven places great importance on research integrity and ethical conduct and will therefore ask you to sign a research integrity
statement upon appointment.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.
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