• PhD qualification in Biology, Econometrics, Industrial Ecology or related discipline;
• Excellent scientist as witnessed from publications, collaborations and (acquired) projects;
• Advanced analytical skills (e.g. modelling, GIS, accounting, LCA, IO-analysis);
• Track record in acquiring funding;
• Excellent communication, influencing, collaboration and networking skills.

Fixed-term contract: with possible extension.

We provide a vibrant and inspiring working environment, with ample support to our scientific staff by our Research Coordination Office and provide access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and the 43 million natural history objects in our collection. At Naturalis you will get the opportunity to develop your research career, to cooperate with inspiring colleagues and to teach at Dutch universities.

We offer a contract (32-36 hours per week) for a period of one year with possible extension of one year after successful evaluation and a monthly starting salary between  € 3,468,- and € 5,075,-  gross per month (based on 36 hours/week, depending on relevant experience). You also get an allowance for travel expenses, holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (3.4%). The successful candidate will be employed by Naturalis in Leiden.

Naturalis

Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity and systematics. We host over 120 researchers including 15 academia embedded professors and 50 PhD students. We closely collaborate with many Dutch universities, research institutes, industry, and government. With our collection of 43 million specimens, one of the world's largest natural history collections, and our state-of-the-art research facilities we offer the (inter)national research infrastructure for species identification and monitoring (for example in the ARISE project). We present the history of our planet, and the diversity of life on Earth, through permanent and temporary museum exhibitions, educational programmes, and online presence, with more than 400,000 visitors per year. All in all, a unique combination of science and culture in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world!

Biodiversity is our life support system, the basis of our life on earth.  A better understanding of biodiversity, from species through to interaction networks to ecosystem functions and services, is key for nature conservation so we can all live in harmony with nature. At Naturalis we aim to know all species, to be able to detect them anywhere and to understand their distribution, their roles in networks and ecosystems. We combine traditional methods with promising novel technologies such as metagenomics, artificial intelligence, data science and advanced data analysis. We develop exciting new multidisciplinary lines of research and we will train scientists, students and experts to become world-leading in this new frontier of research. 

Biodiversity loss is recognized as one of the most significant threats to our sustainable future which calls for serious action. Naturalis can play an important role in this transformation and will, among other things: 

• Foster excellence in science and innovation in the field of biology and earth sciences; 
• Provide a vibrant scientific environment for early- and mid-career researchers; 
• Provide and maintain state-of-the-art (inter)national research infrastructure; 
• Further support and strengthen the national research community in biodiversity;
• Develop tools for biodiversity monitoring and assessments for science and society; 
• Extend education and training to students, decision-makers and future generations;  
• Expand our role in Dutch national science policy by calling for an ambitious biodiversity strategy in societal and political agendas. 

Find out more about our research, labs and collection.