We are looking for a Professor in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity to help develop our new activities in the area of system earth sciences at the Greenport Campus Venlo in the Southern Netherlands. These new activities will focus on earth and plant-biological research (from fundamental to applied) in relation to human health, the environment and relevant stakeholders. Currently, at the campus a strong knowledgebase is being developed to facilitate education, research and innovation in an interdisciplinary setting. All activities have a strong systems approach. As one of the most international universities in Europe, Maastricht University is consistently ranked in the top ten of universities younger than 50 years worldwide. 

Maastricht University will invest in a new plant-biological research line within the national Dutch priority area 'Understanding biodiversity', with a chair in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity. This new chair builds up research in the field of plant ecology and biodiversity to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of biodiversity on different spatial and temporal scales. The work done by the chair can involve greenhouse experiments, molecular lab work, fieldwork or modelling (or a combination of several of these). The chair should engage in cooperation with other research clusters at Maastricht University, local and (inter)national nature conservation organisations and knowledge partners. Finally, the chair will contribute to education on ecology and biodiversity (in specific knowledge on Dutch flora) in the context of several bachelor and master programmes. 

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with a doctoral degree in Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity studies or a related discipline, with a fair number of years of experience in this field. You should have a strong commitment to excellence in research and education. Those with an interdisciplinary interest, who are willing to cross boundaries between scientific disciplines and to society, are especially encouraged to apply. You have an excellent record of accomplishment, which reflects your strong base in international (interdisciplinary) research, grant acquisition and education in the area of ecology and biodiversity. You have an excellent command of written and spoken English. 

You will be responsible for the development of a new research line on ecology and biodiversity within Maastricht University. You are expected to take initiatives to help strengthen the development of the chair and the earth and plant-biological sciences in general. You are stimulating and approachable for staff and students and will readily interact with colleagues within Maastricht University and with other knowledge and business partners. You also have a proven capability to acquire (international) grants. 

The chair will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching. You will create new course materials, including syllabi, lectures, assignments, and assessments using the Problem-Based Learning approach that Maastricht University uses as a basis for all education. Experience in developing educational modules or curricula is seen as an asset. Next to this, you are motivated to supervise students in Research-Based Learning during projects periods and final thesis works. 

Although the Faculty is looking for an experienced candidate who will considered for appointment at a Full Professor level, candidates with a strong track record at the level of Associate Professor, are encouraged to apply.

• The position will be as Professor or Associate Professor and is on a fulltime basis. The nature of the initial appointment depends on qualifications and track record, and may either be permanent or temporary with the intention of permanent appointment upon a mutually positive assessment;
• We offer a rewarding career at a young university in the heart of Europe, with a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovative research and education;
• The gross monthly salary is dependent on previous qualifications and experience, and ranges between €5.784 and €10.721. The salary package contains an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end of year allowance, and 232 hours of leave (based on full time employment). Non-Dutch applicants may be eligible for favourable tax treatment;
• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, optional model for designing a personalised benefits package and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterised by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl

Faculty of Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The Faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3150 students gather to explore exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses 

Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen and Venlo, the homes of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening on each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to one of the largest chemistry and materials sites in Europe, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

This position will be embedded in a new to develop cluster within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Maastricht University, in the area of system earth sciences. This will house research lines in the fields of plant ecology and evolution, planetary health, and sustainable and healthy food systems. These activities will be located at the Brightlands Greenport Campus Venlo.