Leiden Observatory is one of the largest academic astronomy departments in the world. Besides an active research program, the ‘Sterrewacht’ has the responsibility for teaching some 350 students in its bachelor and master programmes of Astronomy. Our curriculum follows a research-oriented teaching programme. Starting this Summer, we have an opening for a temporary Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent) with a stronger than usual focus on teaching duties. We are searching for a candidate with a PhD in astronomy, with experience in and affection to academic teaching. Your work will consist of:

• About 50% of this full-time position is involved in teaching, the other 50% is available for research;
• Take care of 3 EC lecturing / semester;
• Coordinate our Bachelor and Master research projects;
• Take a leading role in an upcoming curriculum evaluation;
• Run an independent research astrophysical program.

• PhD in astronomy;
• Demonstrated experience in teaching (evidenced by good teaching evaluations);
• Interest to pursue an academic career along the teaching trail;
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• A good research plan;
• Demonstrated ability to acquire external research funding is a plus.

We offer a challenging position in which you will interact closely with both our educational team and our internationally well-known scientific staff. The employment contract is for a period of 6 years. The remuneration for this full position (38 hr/weeks) amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €3,637.- to a maximum of €4,978.- (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), depending on your education and experience.

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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

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 to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity 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 is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. 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.