Senior Scientist Position for Outstanding Female Researchers

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the national research institute for mathematics and computer science in the Netherlands. CWI advances the scientific foundations of the digital society through pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, and transfers new knowledge to society and business.

CWI strives to be a diverse and inclusive research institute, yet a gender imbalance remains, specifically among its senior scientists.

CWI is therefore inviting applications for a tenured position, open to female researchers.

We are seeking outstanding researchers with internationally recognized expertise in the broad areas of mathematics, computer science, or their intersection, both fundamental and applied.

The ideal candidate is committed to scientific excellence, and her work aligns with and/or complements one or more of the existing research groups at CWI. Depending on the candidate’s experience and vision, there is also the opportunity to establish a new research direction within the institute.

Depending on your career stage and level of seniority, a starting package will be included in the offer.

Job description
We are seeking applications from accomplished researchers at a level comparable to an Associate Professor, Full Professor or Chair. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of high-impact research publications, a demonstrated ability to lead an independent research program, and a strong history of securing competitive research funding.

As a researcher at CWI, your primary focus will be on conducting innovative and excellent research. In addition, you will be expected to:

• lead independent research projects and contribute to or start new collaborative initiatives;
• secure competitive research funding through successful grant applications;
• contribute to education and talent development, typically dedicating around 10% of your time to such activities;
• strengthen CWI’s connections with the national and international science communities;
• engage in academic service and outreach activities, such as organizing conferences, research semester programmes, or other scientific and public events;
• contribute to the governance and administrator roles of the institute.

Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

• a strong and internationally renowned publication record in mathematics and/or computer science or a closely related interdisciplinary field;
• an extensive international academic network;
• a proven track record in obtaining external research and/or project grants;
• a PhD in mathematics or computer science or related disciplines;
• willingness to take an active part in the collegial activities at the institute;
• readiness to acquire a passive command of Dutch within the first five years of the employment contract.

Diversity code
CWI strives to be a diverse and inclusive research institute. To achieve balanced representation in positions, we have been investing in a diverse and inclusive organization already since 2010, among others by prioritizing applications from women researchers. This approach has recently led to hiring a majority of women in Tenure Track positions.

CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavour to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We strongly encourage candidates with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

A tenured position will be offered at CWI. The terms of employment are according to the Collective Labor Agreement "CAO-Onderzoeksinstellingen”.

The gross monthly starting salary on a full-time basis ranges from € 6803 for a starting associate professor level to a maximum of € 10989 for a very renowned top-level candidate. In addition, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is part of the Institutes Organisation of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.

CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries, an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We have an activity committee that organizes after-work activities and among others a women’s network.

CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam, which is a major location of research in the physical sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

Visit our website for more information about our research groups and focus areas.

Why work at CWI?

• CWI is committed to scientific excellence, as demonstrated by its excellent track record and publications in top journals and conferences.
• CWI’s focus is on scientific and societal impact.
• CWI offers you a research focused academic environment in the Netherlands and an extensive international network.
• CWI research groups are led by renowned experts.
• CWI will establish a joint professorial appointment at a Dutch university for this position.
• CWI’s offer, depending on your seniority and career stage, includes a starting package.

What else do we offer?

• a work environment in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the Amsterdam Science Park;
• enthusiastic, inspiring and professional colleagues and support staff;
• flexible working hours (partly working from home);
• professional coaching and training and support for e.g. grant-writing;
• if accepting this position means your partner will be looking for employment, we can offer support in finding suitable opportunities;
• temporary housing (6 months);
• practical support with visa and residence permit procedures, a special tax ruling, and related administrative matters;
• coverage of initial travel expenses and transportation of personal belongings, as well as a relocation allowance.

If you want to apply, please upload:

• A brief motivation letter (maximum two pages) outlining your vision for future research and how you meet the requirements for this position. Applicants are asked to identify which research groups at CWI align most with their research interests;
• Full academic curriculum vitae;
• copies of your three most prominent publications;
• the names and contact details of five senior scientists whom CWI can ask for letters of recommendation.

Application deadline: 31 January 2026. In addition, please note the following dates.

For candidates who are considered eligible based on their initial application documents, we will request a research statement and a five-year research plan (two to five pages), between 11 and 24 February.

We plan to invite these shortlisted candidates to visit CWI in the week of 23–27 March and aim to make the final selection between 30 and 31 March. Prior to this, approx. between 10 and 13 March, you will be contacted for a short one-on-one online pre-interview.

For additional information, you can contact our Manager Personnel & Organization, Léon Ouwerkerk, at l.j.ouwerkerk@cwi.nl.

For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl or watch our video about working at CWI. To hear from CWI colleagues about what it is like to work at CWI, please visit: https://www.cwi.nl/en/jobs/why-cwi/testimonials