Teaser Text

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), together with Naturalis Biodiversity Center, invites applications for a position in Computational Biodiversity at Associate Professor (UHD) level.

We seek candidates with strong expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Areas of particular interest include bioacoustics, audio signal processing, deep learning for wildlife monitoring, computational ecology, and automated species recognition. Ideally, candidates will bridge computational methods with ecological applications and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations between computer science, biology, and conservation science. A proven track record of engagement with conservation practitioners, biodiversity monitoring networks, and/or policy makers will be considered a strong advantage.

We are particularly interested in candidates with the ability to teach courses at bachelor and master level that connect AI and computer science with environmental and ecological applications. The successful candidate will contribute to educational programs at both LIACS and Naturalis, including supervision of bachelor, master, and PhD thesis projects in the intersection of computational methods and biodiversity science.

In addition to research and teaching, the successful candidate is expected to secure external research funding, including European and national grants, to build and lead a research group. They will be embedded in the research community at LIACS and Naturalis, offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values interdisciplinary research and real-world impact on biodiversity conservation.

What you will do

• Conduct independent research in computational biodiversity, with emphasis on AI and machine learning applications for ecology and conservation;
• Teach one course annually at the Bachelor/Master level at LIACS and contribute to educational programs at Naturalis;
• Contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities across both institutions;
• Possess the University Teaching Qualification (BKO);
• Supervise BSc and MSc thesis students from computer science and AI;
• (Co-)supervise PhD students in computational biodiversity topics;
• Secure external funding for research projects, including EU framework programs and the Dutch national research council NWO;
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within LIACS, Naturalis, Leiden University, and the broader international research community;
• Contribute to the development and promotion of computational biodiversity research and education at both institutions.

Where you will work

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science levels in the core areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, and in interdisciplinary areas. LIACS is a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity. Working with one of the largest natural history collections in the world, our researchers work on describing, monitoring, and understanding biodiversity. Over 120 researchers are working on scientific issues in the field of biodiversity on land and at sea worldwide: mapping species and their cohesion, and their changing living environment. Naturalis aims to identify and monitor all Dutch species, accelerating the discovery, identification, and description of overlooked species in soil, rivers, sea, and air. Extensive research is required to create a fully operational infrastructure, enabling a new approach to biodiversity monitoring that can be scaled to include European and global species.

This joint position offers a unique opportunity to combine methodological innovation in AI and machine learning with real-world applications in biodiversity monitoring and conservation, working at the interface of two leading institutions.

What you bring

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field;
• An academic, creative, and open mindset with demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries;
• Ability to work independently, as part of interdisciplinary teams, and in a supervisory role with students from diverse backgrounds;
• Demonstrated research independence evidenced by a strong publication record;
• A proven track record of successfully supervising PhD students to completion;
• Demonstrated success in obtaining substantial external research funding, including international grants (e.g., EU Horizon Europe, MSCA Networks) and evidence of strategic thinking about securing funding in the future;
• Significant teaching experience, including course development and supervision of student projects;
• Strong professional network of academic and conservation partners, evidenced by collaborative research projects, publications, and engagement with biodiversity monitoring initiatives;
• International recognition in the field, as evidenced by program committee memberships, special session organization at major conferences, editorial board positions, invited talks, and other forms of peer recognition;
• Excellent proficiency in English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn it will be considered an advantage.

What we offer

• A position as Associate Professor (UHD) for the duration of initially one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 6.512,= until € 7.904,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Pay Scale 13);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

The starting date is negotiable, but preferably in September 2026 or earlier.

What we value

LIACS and Naturalis foster inclusive and dynamic research environments with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of both Leiden University and Naturalis, which are committed to becoming inclusive communities that enable all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Want to apply or find out more?