Associate or Full Professor in Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes

Utrecht University is at the forefront of addressing pressing environmental challenges, and in response to the increasing need for comprehensive ecological strategies, the Department of Biology is seeking to establish a new research group focusing on the "Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes." As part of this strategic initiative, we invite applications for the position of Associate or Full Professor in Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes.

Your job
As the new Chair in Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes you actively shape and lead the new research group dedicated to this topic within the Institute for Environmental Biology. Your responsibilities include building a cross-scale research team and defining the group’s research and education priorities within the theme of Multifunctional Landscapes. You will develop and supervise fundamental, externally funded, research projects at the BSc, MSc, PhD and Postdocs levels in the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and will act as supervisor of PhD theses (“promotor”) within the Department of Biology.

Research
You will lead the group’s research efforts in understanding and promoting multifunctional landscapes that integrate diverse land uses, such as forestry, wildlife conservation, and agriculture. The primary emphasis will be on human-plant-animal interactions within landscapes that serve multiple purposes to meet both Dutch and global challenges in balancing nature conservation, urbanisation and agricultural production. You possess the ability to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research topics, with an affinity for outreach and stakeholder engagement. As team leader, you will be a fundamental connection between research groups of the institute, the department, the faculty, and beyond. Your energy and passion for this new high-profile line of research will strengthen the institute’s impact and reputation - both within the Netherlands and internationally.

Teaching
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape at Utrecht University. You will contribute significantly to the development and implementation of new core curricula, ensuring that the next generation of ecologists is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of sustainable multifunctional landscapes. As a passionate academic teacher, you will play a key role in the Biological Sciences Bachelor's and Master's curricula, as well as in the training and coaching of PhD candidates and early-career scientists.

Your key responsibilities include:

• developing and leading a vibrant research programme on the ecology of multifunctional landscapes;
• conducting fundamental and applied research on habitat connectivity, landscape composition, ecological networks, and ecosystem services within multifunctional landscapes;
• collaborating with stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to integrate scientific knowledge into practical strategies for landscape management, conservation, and restoration;
• playing a central role in shaping the teaching agenda of the newly established research group at the Bachelor's and Master's levels.

Join us in making a significant impact on the future of ecological research to the service of both nature and society!

We are looking for a colleague with the following qualities:

• a PhD in Ecology, Environmental Biology, or a related field;
• demonstrated expertise in the study of multifunctional landscapes, human-plant-animal interactions, and wildlife ecology in the Netherlands and/or internationally;
• demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring of students and expertise in developing and implementing innovative and engaging teaching methods;
• strong communication skills and the ability to inspire and guide students towards multidisciplinary research perspectives;
• a strong record of scholarly achievements, including high-impact publications and successful grant acquisition;
• a proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the development of sustainable land management practices;
• strong team working skills, with excellent leadership, management and communication skills.

We offer, in case of a Full Professor:

• an appointment as Full Professor starting with a fixed term contract or a permanent contract based on qualifications and experience. The chair will be subject to evaluation after five years;
• a gross monthly salary – depending on previous qualifications and experience – between €6,648 and €9,680 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale H2 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In case of an Associate Professor, we offer:

• an appointment as Associate Professor starting with a fixed term contract. Following a positive evaluation after 18 months, this will be converted in a permanent contract. We offer the potential opportunity to grow into the position of Full Professor
• a gross monthly salary – depending on previous qualifications and experience – between €6,002 and €8,025 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 13-14 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Science there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

The research of the Department of Biology is scientifically organised in two institutes: the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB) and the Institute for Biocomplexity and Bioinformatics (IBB). The Chair in The Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes will be affiliated with the IEB. Inspired by nature, the Institute of Environmental Biology aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for urgent societal problems such as future food security, ecological consequences of climate change, and protection of our natural resources. The Chair in The Ecology of Multifunctional Landscapes is expected to have close links to the chair groups in Ecology and Biodiversity and Animal Behavior and Cognition.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'Apply now' button. Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your curriculum vitae including your full list of publications;
• your research statement (max. 5 pages);
• your teaching statement (max. 2 pages);
• a list of three references.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

The selection procedure follows the university’s TRIPLE criteria of recognition and rewards.

After the first round of interviews, the selected candidate(s) will be invited to submit a portfolio as described in the document “Recruitment, Selection, Promotion and Appointment full Professor”. This portfolio consists of the application material and a self-reflection elaborating further on some parts of the application material.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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