Teaser Text

Leiden University's Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is inviting applicants for a faculty position in ecology and/or sustainability of agricultural production systems (assistant professor level), combining research (40%), teaching (40%) and social services (20%). We welcome diverse methodological approaches and career paths. CML aims to take the lead in addressing critical environmental challenges of the coming century. With a dedicated focus on five interlinked areas - biodiversity, food, water, resources, and urban systems - our research groups are advancing scientific insights and practical solutions to sustain Earth's biodiversity and to ensure a sustainable supply of food and clean water.

We seek an innovative scientist working on understanding, monitoring, and reversing human-induced pressures such as disruptions of nutrient or carbon cycling or the loss of biodiversity (including soil biodiversity) in an agricultural context. We especially welcome expertise in one or more of the following research domains:  1) biochemical cycles, 2) biodiversity change at a large scale (using spatial analyses, for example remote sensing) or 3) biodiversity change at a small scale (using for example soil metagenomics). We further encourage candidates who use innovative combination(s) of observational and modeling methods to apply.

The candidate is able to work in  interdisciplinary teams that focus on transitions of food systems, by providing ecological knowledge on these systemic transformations. While the exact focus of research is somewhat flexible, the ideal candidate should clearly demonstrate how their work complements and strengthens the existing research in food systems and biodiversity at CML.

This position is part of the Department of Environmental Biology (EB) - which is dedicated to deepening scientific knowledge on how anthropogenic threats influence biodiversity and ecosystem services - but would work also in close collaboration with other members of the Food research programme at CML. Current members of EB are working on a wide variety of topics such as biodiversity, ecotoxicology, soil ecology, molecular and evolutionary ecology, urban ecology, spatial epidemiology, ecosystem services, and forest dynamics. Hence, this position offers a unique opportunity to forge your own research path, by leveraging the rich expertise of our department and the whole CML to make a meaningful contribution to environmental science and society.

Education at CML

At CML we aim to excel in our roles as scientists as well as educators. Therefore, next to research related responsibilities (which make up 40% of one’s appointment) and other tasks (making up 20% of one’s appointment), we expect 40% of your responsibilities will be related to teaching. Therefore, the successful candidate is also passionate about providing high quality education, often involving small-groups of students with the goal to stimulate critical thinking. The successful candidate will take responsibility for course development, practical’s, and thesis supervision within the MSc and BSc programmes/courses taught by CML. Teaching activities will include teaching in interdisciplinary and monodisciplinary education programs at both BSc and MSc level (e.g. BSc Science for Sustainable Societies, BSc/MSc Biology, MSc Governance of Sustainability). This will include coordination of courses and regular teaching tasks (including moderating/supervising work groups, assessing, and providing feedback on assessments) as well as mentoring students as they develop personally and professionally during their BSc and MSc studies.

MSc Governance of Sustainability: Governance of Sustainability (MSc) - Leiden University

BSc program called Science for Sustainable Societies: Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc) - Leiden University

Minor program Sustainable Development: Sustainable Development - Leiden University

We, therefore, seek candidates that have a passion for research and teaching, who are team players and who can demonstrate how they can also use the institute as a springboard to develop their own research line.

There is also an oppertunity to teach in other programmes such as:

BSc Biology -  Biology (BSc) - Leiden University

MSc Biology - Biology (MSc) - Leiden University

BSc Urban Studies - Urban Studies (BA) - Universiteit Leiden

What you will do

We are looking for an assistant professor working on (soil) ecology and/or sustainability of agricultural systems. The work will focus on research related to nutrient cycling and/or organisms including soil biodiversity in relation to human induced disruptions to the system. We especially welcome applicants working on remote sensing or holomicrobiome research on soils. Additionally, a key focus of this application would be teaching in one of CML’s programs.  

• In collaboration with CML colleagues, study ecology of food system transitions that complements CML’s existing research.
• Teach in (interdisciplinary) courses related to sustainable transitions and in courses related to general environmental biology.
• Participate in consortium applications for example within Horizon Cluster 6 (e.g. Farm to Fork) and NWA-ORC.
• Supervise BSc. and MSc. students in their thesis work, and PhD students in their projects.

Where you will work

Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff. 

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.   

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre. 

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.800 staff and almost 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 

For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science. Information about CML can be found at  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences. 

What you bring

• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and of having a collaborative attitude. 
• A PhD and research experience with a successful track record in publishing in the field of soil ecology, land-use change research, landscape ecology, or agroecology.
• Experience in supervising PhD and/or Msc students.
• Existing teaching skills, preferably in interdisciplinary programmes and using different teaching approaches, from large lectures, to small discussing based seminars, to field work practical’s.
• A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; BKO in Dutch), or the willingness to attain this within two years.
• Has a demonstrated ability for successful (collaborative) grant acquisition, or a clear potential and vision to develop acquisition capabilities.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills.
• Proficient in Dutch or is willing to learn Dutch within 2 years at B-level.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment. 

What we offer

We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend it to a permanent contract based on performance, following the pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 4.728 to € 6.433 gross per month based on a full-time position. At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s. 

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%) 
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future 
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options 
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands 
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office .

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. For more information about the working condidations, please visit our university webpage on "Application process and working conditions".

What we value

At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity 

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu). 

Want to apply or find out more?

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Krijn Trimbos (trimbos@cml.leidenuniv.nl) and Dr. Emilia Hannula (s.e.hannula@cml.leidenuniv.nl)   

Selection Committee:  

• Dr. Krijn Trimbos – Assistant Professor (Environmental DNA) and Department Head Environmental Biology 

• Dr. Emilia Hannula – Associate Professor (Soil Ecology)
• Dr. Marco Visser – Assistant Professor (Theoretical Ecology)
• Dr. Michiel Veldhuis – Assistant Professor (Human Wildlife coexistence, Large Herbivore Ecology)
• Dr. Alena Gsell – Assistant Professor (Aquatic Ecology)
   

Applications  

Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number: 

• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)

• Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
• Teaching and a research statement (max 2 pages) 

• Names and contact details of at least two referees 

The deadline for submissions is June 10th 2026; applications received after this date will not be considered. The 1st round of interviews will take place on Thursday June 18th. The 2nd round of interviews will take place on Thursday July 2nd