Join us at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), part of the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam, where we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated scientist to elevate our research and educational endeavors. As an Assistant Professor within the Plant Cell Biology group, you will be given the exciting opportunity to shape your own research direction while actively participating in teaching activities spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Plant Cell Biology group is part of the Green Life Sciences research theme, studying the mechanisms by which plants interact with their biotic- and abiotic environment at the molecular-, cellular- and physiological level. Obtained knowledge is used to address societal challenges related to climate change, food security and plant breeding.

What are you going to do?
Within Plant Cell Biology, research focuses on signalling processes involved in plant development and stress responses. Unlike the architecture of animals and humans, plants show spectacular flexibility in their development. Abiotic stress, including drought, salinization, heat and cold stress, have an enormous impact on plant growth and development. In particular the molecular machinery controlling the 3-D architecture of roots have our interest.

As an Assistant Professor you are expected to:

• develop your own line of research in plant cell biology;
• publish in international journals and to present at conferences;
• (co-)supervise PhD students;
• promote collaborations between groups, to develop new tools and share expertise;
• develop your skills in coaching and inclusive leadership;
• be active in attracting external funding;
• teach in courses to bachelor and master students, and to supervise student projects.

You have/are:

• a PhD in Plant Cell Biology and some years of post-doctoral experience;
• an expert in live-cell imaging/advanced microscopy;
• a good understanding of cell signaling, plant development, and stress biology;
• able to communicate with other biologists and bioinformatics and data-analysis experts;
• be willing to contribute to valorization and outreach activities of the research group;
• have experience with acquisition of funding;
• fluent in spoken and written English.

If you are not fluent in Dutch, we expect you to acquire sufficient fluency in the Dutch language within three years of the start of the employment contract, to be able to teach in the Dutch bachelor courses. Candidates have a clear affinity with teaching demonstrated by a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or the willingness to enroll in a program to achieve that.

A temporary contract for 38 hours a week, for the duration of 18 months, preferably starting on 1-5-2024. A permanent contract follows after positive assessment of your performance. The Job profile Assistant Professor 2 is applicable.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €4.332 to €5.929 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is part of the Faculty of Science. Within SILS, 17 research groups are active, which are representing four themes: 1) Cell & Systems Biology, 2) Neurosciences, 3) Microbiology, and 4) Green Life Sciences.

Application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 31 December 2023.

You can apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications and your funding and teaching track record (if applicable);
• contact information for at least two academic referees;
• a 1-page research statement.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines)