We have a vacancy for an assistant professor or associate professor in Bio-Organic Chemistry, to strengthen the chair group Organic Chemistry in the cluster Biomolecular Sciences of the Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences at Wageningen University. The position includes both teaching and research responsibilities.

Due to the current gender balance, we strongly encourage women / x to apply.

What are you going to do?
In this attractive career trajectory you will be responsible for developing a strong research group that initiates and implements new research in the synthesis and evaluation of (bio-)organic compounds. We expect you to set up your own synthetic organic chemistry-based research line, that should be complementary to the existing research areas within our laboratory, and pursue biological investigations of such compounds as expected for fields like bio-organic chemistry and chemical biology.

You are expected to actively seek funding for new research projects via national and international grant opportunities.Other specific tasks include

• supervising the research of PhD candidates, postdocs, technical staff and thesis students,
• writing scientific publications, and presenting research results at international conferences
• Guidance of graduate and undergraduate students and teaching analytical and organic chemistry at all levels of the curriculum (lectures, lab sessions, course development and course responsibility) are an essential part of the job.

Training courses and coaching are provided for the new Assistant or Associate Professor to enhance teaching and leadership skills.

You will work in a multidisciplinary and international team of eight faculty members engaged in research and teaching in organic and analytical chemistry.

You will be expected to grow to more senior functions within the group as part of the academic career framework. Promotion is based on an evaluation of research, teaching, project acquisition, outreach, and academic services.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Organic Chemistry, which is led by Prof. dr. Han Zuilhof.

Wageningen University offers talented young scientists an attractive career trajectory. By introducing this trajectory, our aim is to attract top talent and to stimulate excellence.

From the position of Assistant/Associate Professor, candidates can grow into a Professor position, holding a personal chair in a manner solely determined by personal success. In addition, they will be given the chance to build up their own research line. Coaching of candidates is tailored to the specific needs during the trajectory. While you are operating in a broader and collaborative research context, there is sufficient room for developing independence and own initiative. Candidates are expected to be assertive and pro-active. Moreover, this transparent career path can lead to a permanent employment contract.

As we will be selecting only candidates of high potential to take part in this trajectory, for all participating candidates, this will be a good stepping stone to a further career within Wageningen University & Research.

You are a highly motivated, creative, and experienced bio-organic chemist with postdoctoral experience, having excellent didactic and communicative skills and expertise in the synthesis of complex (bio-)organic molecules and the study of their biological role(s). An excellent publications list is a must; proven ability to acquire funding is a plus.

Requirements
As Assistant/Associate Professor you are an ambitious and enthusiastic scientist and a team player, devoted to research and education in Bio-Organic Chemistry.

You also have:

• a PhD in Organic Chemistry related to the vacancy text;
• knowledge and expertise in the synthesis of complex (bio-)organic compounds, and the study of their biological function(s), as proven by an excellent list of publications;
• proven ability to acquire research funding (e.g. for Assistant-level: Rubicon/Veni; for Associate-level: Vidi/ERC/TTW);
• excellent communication skills;
• didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with students;
• experience with supervising (for Assistant: undergraduate students; for Associate: PhD students, postdocs and technical staff);
• experience with management of complex projects is a plus;
• an international network (essential for an Associate Professor)

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will be offered a fixed-term, 18 months contract which, upon positive evaluation, can lead to a permanent employment contract as professor. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 4.492,- and € 6.148,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11).

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 20st consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. dr. Han Zuilhof, chairholder, by e-mail han.zuilhof@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter, by e-mail; rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including the 10th of February 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews shortly after the closing date.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.