The Faculty of Science is looking for a: Assistant professor (tenure-track) on Biodiversity & Society

Vacancy number: 23-043

Tenure-track Profile: Biodiversity and Society

There is widespread and growing recognition of the value of biodiversity - its inherent value, its economic, social and cultural value, and its fundamental role in combating climate change through nature-based solutions. It is of utmost importance to connect the current challenges on biodiversity conservation to science communication research to protect and improve the current state of biodiversity.

The goal of this tenure-track is to contribute to the growing interdisciplinary focus of the university on biodiversity conservation and awareness.  The position is based at the Institute of Biology (IBL), specifically within the department Science Communication and Society (SCS), in strong collaboration with the Hortus Botanicus and the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and outside partners like Naturalis.

The mission of the research department Science Communication and Society is to improve the interaction between science and society through understanding how science communication works. We believe better science communication can improve our society and engage many different groups with science, also improving science. The department already has experience with interdisciplinary research groups, such as the Astronomy and Society and Quantum and Society research groups.

Key Responsibilities

To further the field on biodiversity and society, IBL is starting a Tenure Track Position. In this career trajectory you will:

-             Develop your own research trajectory on biodiversity and society, focusing on topics such as how biodiversity impacts society and vice versa; the attitude of different groups towards biodiversity, or how science communication efforts can impact biodiversity-related attitudes and behavior;

-             Contribute to the connection between society and biodiversity research;

-             Embrace different types of biodiversity and engage with many institutes, departments and scientists in biology and science communication;

-             Supervise BSc, MSc and PhD students, teach and develop courses on biodiversity as well as science communication;

-             Contribute to the growth, visibility, and development of IBL and SCS (e.g. through outreach and acquiring external funding).

Selection Criteria

• PhD degree in a topic related to biodiversity and/or science communication;
• Track record in research on biodiversity and society, preferably shown by publications; 
• >2 years of relevant work experience, before or after obtaining your PhD;
• Able to work independently but also in a team;
• Experience in teaching and student supervision;
• Excellent social skills and pro-active attitude;
• Excited about working in a growing interdisciplinary field, collaborating with many different stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English and fluency in Dutch or motivated to learn Dutch within 5 years (B1 level);

Terms and conditions 

We offer a full-time, 6 year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The TT will start as UD2 in salary scale 11 with a range of € 3,974to max €5.439 gross per month (salary scale 11 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 break.

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

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 Qualification within two years. There’s a language proficiency of minimum level Cl required  for staff who will teach in English.

Research at our faculty

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 of Science 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 2800 staff and over 6000 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  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at

The Institute of Biology

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.