An innovative and dynamic scholar focused on the role of communication as a driver for change in the domains of food, health and the living environment to lead the Strategic Communication Group (0.8 - 1.0 fte) at Wageningen University & Research.

The Strategic Communication Group at Wageningen University has a strong 50-year tradition in researching and teaching critical, engaged, focused and reflexive scholarship. Within the life sciences theme of Wageningen University, the group's research and teaching focuses on communication related to food production, climate change, nature conservation, land use planning and health. As such, collaboration with social and natural scientists is a defining element of the group's work. Within these domains the group focuses on the role of communication in planned and unplanned change, taking into account dynamics at the micro level (e.g., conversations and dialogue) and macro level (e.g., public debates), through both mediated (e.g., social media) and non-mediated (e.g., expert-lay interactions) forms of communication.

As head of the group, the new chair holder is expected to further advance an innovative research and education programme at Wageningen. The chair holder will ensure the group continues to grow into a supportive working environment for a diverse group of young and established academics. The successful applicant will also further strengthen the groups profile in national and international networks, as well as effectively and constructively manage the group's internal processes.

The successful candidate:

• Has a proven scientific track record in the broad field of communication sciences, with a vision for future research and education on communication and change in the life science domains of food, health and environment;
• Has experience with communication themes such as framing, trust, risk, conflict, cooperation, (citizen) engagement, and advocacy;
• Has experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• Demonstrates an ability to lead research in a theoretically and methodologically diverse group and shows the capacity to produce work of recognised international quality;
• Enjoys managing professionals and demonstrates an inspiring, collegial, and unifying leadership style characterized by the passion to develop people, to build teams, and to create synergy;
• Is an inspiring teacher and supervisor, with proven ability to develop courses at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level, and with an interest and capacity to innovate teaching methods;
• Has the ability to effectively interact with communication professionals and societal partners in the development of research and education;
• Holds a PhD degree in communication science or has completed a social science PhD in which communication has been a central research topic;
• Possesses a proven capacity of acquiring, leading and managing externally-funded research projects.

You will be working for an inspiring international organisation with a large number of interdisciplinary projects all over the world. A strong commitment to teaching and fundamental research, combined with innovative applied research, creates a rich learning environment. Our students - the innovators of tomorrow - also benefit from first-class research and educational facilities.

The scientific quality of Wageningen University is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in international rankings and citation indexes. Dutch students voted Wageningen University & Research as the best university in the Netherlands for thirteen years in a row.

We offer you a challenging position as full professor and Chair of Strategic Communication. Besides a competitive salary, we offer a number of additional benefits, such as an end-of-year extra month's salary, a holiday allowance and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen is a centre for research and entrepreneurship. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. It is a historic university town of about 36,000 residents in the central Netherlands. The academic community hails from more than 100 countries, giving the town a lively, international feel.

Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, by which 30% of their salary is exempt from tax.

Our highly qualified team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. A specialized staffing agency will help your partner to find a job.

The Wageningen University & Research's International Community page (https://www.wur.nl/en/International-students-and-staff.htm) contains practical information about what we do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at www.wur.nl/career.