The NIOO offers the position for Head of Department Aquatic Ecology.

The department of Aquatic Ecology (AqE) aims to elucidate how ecological mechanisms, eco-evolutionary processes and abiotic factors govern the dynamics and structure of aquatic food webs. The approach includes both curiosity-driven research and science for society, and ranges from within-species variation to entire ecosystems, in connection with nature conservation and ecosystem restoration. The department is composed of five research groups (department head and four senior researchers and five technicians with permanent contracts, plus Phd’s and postdocs) and two special units: Aquatic Knowledge centre Wageningen (AKWA) and Centre for Microalgae Eco-Technological Solutions, each led by a project leader.

Job description:
As the new head you will continue your internationally strong research line while also managing the Aquatic Ecology department. You will be responsible for a strongly positioned department, both nationally and internationally that combines fundamental and more strategic research, acquiring funding for your own research, as well as for broad theme-wise organized research programs within NIOO and with external (inter) national partners. You will also encourage and help young talented scientists to flourish and obtain their own personal research funding. You are capable of developing a strong and coherent, openly operating team with the senior and junior scientists and technicians and you are strong at networking, outreach and dissemination. You will also be part of the NIOO Management team, which requires a broad view on all aspects of NIOO’s strategy.

The head of department must be an excellent internationally acknowledged scientist in the field of aquatic ecology with proven leadership and management skills. Candidates are expected to have a broad overview of the research that is going on in the department and beyond, a clear vision on the future of this field of research, and demonstrated affinity with end users and stakeholders. You are expected to lead by inspiration, motivate, facilitate, and stimulate complementarity in the department, think out of the box with a good eye for complex ecological issues that require a long-term research approach. Your research strengthens the research program of the Department.

There should be clear affinity with both classic aquatic ecology and the newest tools, approaches, and concepts of ecology in general. You have strong capacity of conceptual thinking, and excellent collaborative skills with enthusiasm for bringing basic knowledge to use by end users and stakeholders. Your excellent network should comprise national, European, and global dimensions with demonstrated capacity to acquire research funding from a diversity of sources.

We offera salary depending on work experience, plus 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus and an extensive package of fringe benefits. The contract is a contract for an indefinite period with a probation of two months.

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is an Academy research institute. It conducts ecological research on land, in the ocean and in fresh water and studies how living organisms interact with one another and their environment. NIOO stimulates biodiversity and sustainability in nature and society through its worldwide network of researchers, policymakers, conservationists and other stakeholders.