Do you have experience with data visualization and creative methods? Are you interested in bringing together qualitative and quantitative data on drought-to-flood events around the world? Please apply for this postdoc position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
Cascading events like floods after droughts are complex hydrosocial disasters that are expected to increase in the future. In the EU-funded PerfectSTORM project (‘STOrylines of futuRe extreMes’), a team of scientists is studying the hydrosocial processes behind drought-to-flood events to provide the understanding needed to prevent major disasters in the future. We are using a mixed-methods approach and are collecting qualitative and quantitative storylines of past drought-to-flood risk in case studies (Peru and Kenya) and at the global level. These storylines will be combined and used in interactive storytelling workshops with stakeholders and communities to imagine different futures.
We are now searching for a postdoc with a data visualisation and art-science background to join our team. The postdoc will combine and visualise our qualitative and quantitative storylines of drought-to-flood events, which are based on rich interview material and system-dynamics modelling in Kenya and Peru, and an analysis of hydroclimatic extremes and document analysis on the global scale. The postdoc will develop an interactive website and other (digital and hard copy) versions of the storylines, so that they can be used in the workshops. They will do this together with the PhDs working on the project and with external partners, who can support video-editing and website development.
We envision this to be a great opportunity for those who are interested in exploring the use of creative methods in data and water science. We also offer opportunities to further develop skills in outreach to scientific and non-scientific audiences and in project management and organisation.
Your duties
- Combine quantitative and qualitative data into storylines of drought-flood events
- Visualise these storylines on an interactive website and in other (digital and hard copy) forms
- Explore creative methods and art-science
- Write and contribute to scientific papers and other dissemination activities
- Work with the team members and project partners, and support the PhDs
- Support the project administration and management
Requirements
- a PhD degree:
- in geography, earth or environmental science, with a strong data visualisation expertise and interest in creative methods; or
- in computer science on data science, with expertise and/or interest in interdisciplinary water science and art; or
- in science communication or art & science, with expertise and/or interest in interdisciplinary water science and data visualisation.
- experience with data visualisation and with combining quantitative and qualitative data
- programming skills (in R or Python) or GIS skills
- experience (or demonstrable interest) in website development and content editing and/or working with partners who can support this
- experience (or demonstrable interest) in using art or developing/using creative tools to explore data and communicate scientific knowledge
- experience in scientific publishing, exemplified by relevant and good quality peer-reviewed publications
- good collaboration and communication skills to work in a larger multidisciplinary team and with international partners
Note: we are always looking for people who can enrich our institute with unique perspectives and experiences. We actively encourage you to apply if you are from an underrepresented group in academia. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds (including gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, culture, ability, neurodiversity and minority identities), which we acknowledge enhances the quality of our research and education. Since women and other minoritized groups tend to refrain from applying when they do not tick all the boxes, we encourage you to apply even if you do not feel that you have all of the requirements listed above.
The researcher will work with Anne Van Loon, Heidi Mendoza, Ruben Weesie, Alessia Matanó, Maurizio Mazzoleni, Mel Rohse, Johanna Koehler and others. The researcher will be based at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at VU Amsterdam and will be part of an active research group and a vibrant ECR community within the institute.
Please find more information and how to apply on the VU website. The deadline is 10 January 2024. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups to increase the diversity of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What documents are needed for the application? CV & motivation letter. We expect many application for this position, so please indicate clearly in your motivation letter why you are the best candidate for the position.
- What is the expected starting date for the position? 1 March 2024.
- Who is eligible for this position? The position is open to anyone around the world.
- Do I need to have a PhD degree for this position? No, the position is also open for researchers / data visualisation experts / science-artists without a PhD. It is important that you can work independently and are familiar with the scientific process so that you can support researchers. If this is the case for you, please indicate clearly in your motivation letter how your expertise fits the criteria.
- What does the hiring process look like? When are the job interviews? We are planning a 3-stage process. First, we will do shortlisting based on motivation letter and CV. Second, we will ask selected candidates to develop a data visualisation / artistic product based on material we provide. And third, we will do job interviews with a sub-selection of candidates.
- Will the postdoc be involved in teaching? Dependent on their expertise and interest, and the time available, the postdoc can be involved in teaching. This can be in the form of supervising BSc & MSc students, supporting computer / field practicals or giving lectures.
Living with drought & floods in Iquitos (Peru) and Kitui (Kenya) © Photos by Heidi Mendoza & Ruben Weesie
Figure: news articles about drought-to-flood events @ Anne van Loon
Hydrological extremes @ Amsterdam 
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