The Faculty of Science and the Institute of Biology Leiden are looking for a candidate who can develop her/his own scientific group.

The candidate is expected to develop a strong independent research line that is attractive for BSc, MSc and PhD students, and can successfully compete for funding at the national (NWO, STW, Top Sector) and international (ERC, EU) level. Preferably, the research line should be complementary to and thus strengthen the existing research on plant defense, development or genome editing. She/he will be expected to contribute to IBL’s BSc and/or MSc teaching program.

• A PhD in molecular (plant) science;
• An excellent track record with high impact publications;
• A broad international network;
• Experience with modern plant molecular and cellular techniques and bioinformatics;
• Affinity with mathematical modelling;
• A good command of the English language, both in speech and in writing;
• A good command of the Dutch language, or be prepared to learn the Dutch language;
• Successful in raising research funds;
• Energetic ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker with a clear view on a challenging research and education program;
• Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this certificate within two years. Within two years a language proficiency of a minimum at level B2 Dutch required.

Our Tenure Track is expected to lead to a tenured position as associate professor and grow into the role of a full professor. With our Tenure track we offer you a clear and inviting career path to support you in the development of your personal and professional talents. It has a strong focus on coaching and training. A special mentor program is offered with fellow Tenure Trackers in a peer group, in order to develop your academic leadership skills. For more information about our Tenure Track, see https://www.staff.universiteitleiden.nl/human-resources/hr-policy-and-code-of-conduct/hr-policy/career-policy-academic-staff/science/fnw-board-office?cf=science#tab-2.

The track consists of a temporary appointment for a period of six years maximum, possibly followed by a tenure position as associate professor, depending on performance. The gross monthly salary at assistant professor level ranges from €3,475 to €5,405 gross per month depending on your level of experience (pay scale 11 or 12 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.  

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science/diversity.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class Faculty, where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science ranges from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see this link.

The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) is an internationally oriented institute for biology research and education that is part of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. The IBL is located in the Leiden Bioscience Park and collaborates with neighbouring institutes including the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre (NBC), and institutes in the Faculty of Science. Our aim is to perform top quality innovative fundamental and strategic research that contributes to solutions for societal challenges, and generate industrial opportunities. The institute is organized in three multidisciplinary research clusters: Animal Sciences and Health, Plant Sciences and Natural Products, and Microbial Biotechnology and Health.

The Plant Science and Natural Products cluster performs state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary research in the field of plant sciences, and has strong expertise in genome modification, development and evolution, and ecology and phytochemistry. The objective of the research is to obtain fundamental knowledge about processes in plants to support biotechnological or medical innovations. For more information, see this link.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science