The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) studies and teaches microbial, plant and animal sciences with a broad research scope from molecular and cellular levels to organismal and population levels. The IBL has a collaborative atmosphere that is fostered by strong expertise focused around four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease, and Evolution & Biodiversity. The overall leading principle of our research is harnessing biodiversity for health. The IBL is a growing institute and wishes to recruit three new group leaders who are, or will become, the future leaders in their research field. For these new positions, the focus lies on the Research Themes Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions and Development & Disease.

Our multidisciplinary research increases fundamental understanding of the structure and function of microbes at all levels of biological organization, from molecules and cellular structures at atomic resolution to multicellular communities. We investigate how microbes sense and respond to their environment and interact with other organisms. This often involves production of specialized bioactive molecules, some of which may be valuable for applications in medical and technical applications. We wish to strengthen our team with a microbiologist who has a strong expertise in chemical ecology and/or microbial interactions with the environment and affinity for bioactive molecules.

The candidates are expected to develop a strong independent research line that is attractive for BSc, MSc and PhD students, and have the ambition to compete at the highest national and international levels. The research line should connect well with IBL’s Research Themes and be complementary to and thus strengthen the existing research at the IBL. The candidates will be expected to contribute to the BSc and MSc teaching programs of the IBL.

• A PhD in biological science or related field and at least several years of postdoctoral research experience;
• An excellent track record, evidenced by high quality publications;
• Strong affinity for biochemistry / molecular biology;
• A broad international network of collaborations;
• Successful in raising research funds;
• Experience and affinity with teaching at BSc and/or MSc level;
• Energetic ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker with a clear view on a challenging research and education program;
• A networker who can readily engage in collaborations within and outside our institute
• Experience and affinity with project and management tasks;
• Excellent command of the English language;
• A good command of the Dutch language, or prepared to learn the Dutch language.

The successful candidate will be offered a position as principal investigator, at a level that depends on her/his track record. We offer a five to six year term position, with the possibility of a tenured position subsequently. The salary ranges from €3.637,- to €4.978,- gross per month (pay scale 11 or 12) for assistant professors, €5.039,- to €6.738,- (scale 13 or 14) for associate professors and €6.218,- to €8.127,- (scale 16) for full professors. Salaries and conditions are 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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax reduction.

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 is required.

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

The Faculty of Science strives for excellence in a caring institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequently varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with an ambitious yet friendly culture. In the Netherlands, parental leave is standard for 16 weeks. Child care is available at and near the Bio Science Park. For more information see the website.

Leiden University

Inquiries about the position can be made to Dennis Claessen, e-mail: d.claessen@biology.leidenuniv.nl, phone +31-71-5275052. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the IBL Office: sylvius@biology.leidenuniv.nl.