Assistant or Associate Professor in Avian Neurobiology

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The Faculty of Science / the Institute of Biology Leiden invite applications for the position of

Assistant or Associate Professor in Avian Neurobiology
Vacancy number: 14361

Key responsibilities
The successful candidate will represent the field of neurobiology in research and teaching (BSc and MSc level), establish and lead a new independent research group accommodating BSc-, MSc- and PhD- student projects. The IBL has a long tradition and active research in animal communication/bioacoustics, behavioural development, (vocal) learning and cognition with zebra finches and budgerigars as model systems. Researchers with complementing profiles are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection criteria

• a research profile complementing existing research at the IBL,
• a track record or clear potential for engaging in multidisciplinary work,
• potential or proven track record to lead a research group
• willingness and proven ability to raise research funds through competitive grant proposals,
• ability to foster an inspiring and collaborative working environment for a research team enabling students, PhD-candidates and postdocs to thrive,
• experience with and commitment to teaching at both the BSc- and MSc-level
• affinity and experience with project and management tasks,
• excellent communication skills and fluency in English and Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch.

Within the field of animal biology, the IBL performs multidisciplinary research at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels to increase fundamental understanding of animal biodiversity, evolution, health and disease. Our research environment fosters interaction between researchers with expertise in immunology, stress physiology, disease modelling, behavioural phenotyping and evolutionary development. Applicants will benefit from our state-of the-art facilities and high-quality support for molecular and genomic research, cell culture, and microscopic imaging and animal facilities (fish and bird facilities). Current research focusses on animal biology at different levels: organisms in their environment, their interactions, animal communication and cognition, comparative research into the development of (behaviour) phenotypes and animal personalities, the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of health and disease and the discovery and application of bioactive molecules.

Our organization
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 driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look 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 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 BSc and twelve MSc programmes. The faculty has grown in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 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.

The Institute for Biology
The research within Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre, the interfaculty Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study. 

Terms and conditions
The successful candidate will be offered a position as principal investigator, at a level that depends on her/his track record. We offer a five- to six-year term position, with the possibility of a tenured position subsequently. For Assistant Professors the monthly salary ranges from € 4.332,- to € 6.737,- depending on experience, corresponding to scale 11-12. For Associcate Professors the monthly salary ranges from € 6,002 to € 8,025 depending on experience, corresponding to scale 13-14. Salaries and conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax reduction.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain this certificate within two years.

Information
Inquiries about the position can be made to dr. Katharina Riebel ([email protected]). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman ([email protected] ).

Applications
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you include the following documents quoting the vacancy number:

• a motivation letter;
• a description of research interests and experience;
• a full CV (including a list of publications, and the names and contact details of two referees).

Only applications received on or before 31 January 2024 can be considered.

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