Head of the Medical Biochemistry department

The Medical Biochemistry department at Amsterdam UMC focuses on fundamental, translational, and applied research into cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. With an enthusiastic, international team, you will work on innovative research lines that contribute to excellent science and societal impact. You will stimulate collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and national and international partners.

As head of the Medical Biochemistry department, you will lead eight research groups with a total of approximately 60 employees. The research groups consist of a principal investigator with PhD students, postdocs, and technicians appointed with external research funding. Together with the four professors in the department, you will be responsible for the strategic development of the department, in line with the strategy of Amsterdam UMC. You will create a stimulating work environment in which talented individuals are trained and mentored. A key task is conducting scientific research that aligns with ongoing research and maintaining contact with other department heads and the division board. Furthermore, the department provides education for medical and biomedical students.

Challenges facing the department in the coming period include continuing to effectively raise research funding, conducting high-quality scientific research, and implementing AI in education.

Current developments and challenges in our healthcare, research, training, education, and valorization domains place significant demands on our organization, employees, and managers. Leadership is crucial for this. Connecting, taking responsibility (and being accountable), and the ability to change are essential elements in leadership, with the competencies of stimulating collaboration, multicultural awareness, networking, decisiveness, and strategic thinking being central. Finally, trust is a fundamental attitude for managers.

You are an inspiring leader with a clear vision for the future of the Medical Biochemistry department. You can challenge and support talented young researchers to reach their full potential. You are a motivator who, together with the team, takes the department to the next level and stimulates sustainable growth and innovation.

You are also a scientific researcher with a demonstrable interest in the type of research currently being conducted in the Medical Biochemistry department at Amsterdam UMC. As a scientific leader with an impressive profile, you have strong publications in leading journals, experience in securing research funding, and an extensive network of (inter)national colleagues. You enjoy collaborating with clinical researchers and have experience teaching medical and biomedical students (qualification “BKO” or similar required).

We also expect:

• You are a full professor or have professorial qualifications.
• You have a talent for management and are willing to further develop your leadership profile.
• Excellent written and spoken command of Dutch and English.

As of January 1, 2024, VUmc and AMC legally merged. Amsterdam UMC is a university medical center where approximately 16,500 employees and students work and learn at the VUmc and AMC locations.

You will liaise with the board of Division 9 Laboratories and report to the chair of the division board. You will be the point of contact for your department with the Executive Board (RvB). You will work closely with departments from other divisions, such as the cardiovascular department. You will also be the point of contact for consultations with organizations outside Amsterdam UMC, both nationally and internationally.