Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is the institute for research and education to improve the quality of life in the domains of (i) food, feed and biobased production, (ii) natural resources and living environment, and (iii) society and well-being. At WUR, we apply advanced algorithms and innovative analytical methods to exploit the potential of data for solving complex issues in these domains. We provide data science education to our students, and our Wageningen Data Competence Center (WDCC) coordinates activities and provides support with respect to research infrastructures, data management, and value creation. We connect to partners and work together with various universities and research institutes, as well as other public and private organizations.

REVOLUTIONIZING OUR DOMAIN

We see that data science and artificial intelligence enable entirely new innovations by connecting knowledge, data, and tools from these different research domains. In our domain of complex living systems, great potential exists for further applications of data science and artificial intelligence, combining advanced academic research and societal relevance. We believe this is revolutionizing science and society.

INTERDISCIPLINARY DATA SCIENCE & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROFESSORS

We are now looking for three professors to realize an ambitious WUR-wide investment programme in data science and artificial intelligence. In particular, we are looking for experts in (one or more of) the areas of (i) Explainable Artificial Intelligence, (ii) Linked Open Data, (iii) Digital Twins, (iv) Visualization and Intelligent Interaction, and (v) Data Ethics and Socioeconomics. These experts can embed and apply their expertise in different research groups to address our strategic research challenges for healthy food and living environment, and so organize an ambitious research programme.

In this investment programme, we will connect to the existing expertise in all our research groups and organize a challenging new approach aimed at interdisciplinary applications of data science and artificial intelligence. We are looking for candidates who are experts in data science/artificial intelligence, and who are in particular strong in connecting their expertise and ideas to WUR, and so advance research and education by creating exciting new opportunities.

A short description of our vision on these fields of expertise, as well as of our research domains, can be found here.

Three excellent researchers, who combine their proven knowledge and expertise in data science and artificial intelligence with enthusiasm and energy to develop applications in our multidisciplinary domain. We are looking for creative initiators of internal and external cooperation, using their scientific insights and ideas to formulate ambitious goals to further revolutionize research of complex living systems.

We ask from you a demonstrated affinity with (one of the) WUR research domains. With you, we aim to build a diverse team, of different technological skills, active in different fields of expertise, in close cooperation with our researchers. A sufficient level of the following knowledge and competences are important:

• an inspiring long-term vision regarding the development of the scientific field and the research agenda;
• the ability to work together with professionals with an inspiring and unifying leadership style, characterized by a passion to develop people, to build teams, and to create synergy;
• a keen interest to work in an interdisciplinary environment;
• initiative, creativity, flexibility and organizational sensitivity;
• a doctorate (PhD degree) in the field of artificial intelligence or data sciences;
• an outstanding scientific track record and international research profile;
• either at the level of experience to be directly appointed as professor, or at the level of associate professor having convincing potential to be appointed as professor in the near future;
• a broad international network, as well as active involvement and experience with effective interaction with stakeholders and society;
• a proven record in acquisition of research funds from national and international agencies;
• experience with training and supervision of master students and PhD candidates;
• a competent teacher who inspires BSc, MSc and PhD students;
• excellent command of English and - for international applicants - a willingness to learn Dutch is appreciated.

A stimulating, collaborative, and entrepreneurial working environment. We have an enthusiastic, dedicated staff with expertise in complementary fields of research. We are nationally as well internationally recognized as the center of excellence for research and education in our domain to improve the quality of life.

The three personal professor positions develop an ambitious research programme of applications of data science and artificial intelligence applied to the entire domain of WUR. These positions will be embedded within different existing research groups to facilitate close contacts, continuous cooperation, and easy and informal exchange of knowledge and expertise. The positions will become part of a university broad network organization, supported and coordinated by the WDCC, of these and related research groups that will work together to identify challenges and to create research opportunities.

In these challenging positions, you will be working for an inspiring international organisation with a large number of interdisciplinary projects all over the world. The scientific quality of Wageningen University is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in international rankings. Besides a competitive salary, we offer a number of additional benefits, such as an end-of-year extra month's salary, a holiday allowance and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialized research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen. We have been named Best Employer in Education category 2019-2020.

Click here for more information about working at Wageningen University & Research. More information about Wageningen Campus you can find here.