The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) is looking for a director of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO), with extensive expertise in high quality ecological research, a broad overall view of science and excellent management qualities.The Director:

• is responsible for the general and day-to-day management of the Institute, and for the research directions of the Institute, in line with the strategy of the KNAW;
• ensures that NIOO remains a leading institution in ecological research, both nationally and internationally, where scientific talent can flourish;
• develops a clear overall strategy for the future development of the Institute;
• identifies important developments in science and society, both in the Netherlands and elsewhere, and responds accordingly;
• promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and cooperation with other KNAW and NWO institutes to consolidate and further develop the scientific and societal status of NIOO;
• positions the Institute with the bodies that fund research (e.g. EU, NWO), knowledge institutions, civil-society institutions, government institutions and the business community, and by doing so creates new partnerships;
• plays an important role within national and international networks and partnerships within the discipline of ecology;
• represents the Institute both within the KNAW (as a member of the Council of Directors) and in national/international bodies, representing the interests of both the Institute and the KNAW.

The successful candidate:

• has demonstrable leadership qualities, displays strategic thinking, has managerial skills, and has a track record in bearing responsibility;
• is energetic and decisive, paying attention to and consulting closely with the Institute’s staff;
• is an experienced ecology researcher at the highest international level;
• has an eye for the organisation and is able to implement changes;
• is people-oriented, connecting and accessible, and aims for cooperation;
• has a large national and international network and is demonstrably able to use this network for strategic alliances and project acquisitions;
• has know-how and experience in the field of finance and personnel management;
• has a good command of English, both spoken and written; foreign candidates are expected to become familiar with the Dutch language and culture within a reasonable time period.

The appointment is for 5 years, commencing on 1 November 2019. Reappointment is possible after assessment. Depending on education and work experience, the person appointed will be remunerated at scale 18 (of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), including 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of her/his annual salary. There is a comprehensive package of fringe benefits. Female candidates are emphatically invited to apply. In the event of several applicants being equally suitable, the KNAW – given its aim to achieve diversity at management and board level – will give preference to a female candidate.

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). It generates fundamental knowledge about the ecology and functioning of natural ecosystems, with the aim of discovering innovative ways to enhance the biodiversity, sustainability, and climate-resilience of both natural and man-made ecosystems for the future. NIOO is an important hub in national ecological research, both between knowledge institutions and between researchers, society and industry. It also aims to train the future generation of leading ecology researchers, both nationally and internationally.

NIOO researchers study organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Together they study the full spectrum of plant, animal and microbial ecology in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Internal and external multidisciplinary collaborations offer the unique opportunity to develop a broad research approach that allows to unravel complex ecological processes. NIOO’s research and expertise form the basis for cooperation with societal organisations, public authorities, and stakeholders, and for the transfer of fundamental scientific knowledge to the general public.

Both in the Netherlands and elsewhere, NIOO is regarded as a top research institute in the field of ecology and was recently awarded the highest score of “excellent” by an independent international review committee. The Institute’s research takes place both in and outside the Netherlands. NIOO is one of the KNAW’s largest research institutes, with a staff of more than 150 fte employees and approximately 60 visiting researchers.