Vacancy number: 16747
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 31 augustus 2026
The Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology (IBL), is looking for candidates for a position as Assistant/Associate/Full Professor to bring new expertise in the research area of disease mechanisms. Through this position, which will be embedded in the department of Animal Sciences, we aim to strengthen our research aimed at understanding molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying human health and disease. We are looking for candidates who are eager to seek collaboration with colleagues in the fields of cancer, immunity and vascular biology, and who will make innovative use of the world-class microscopy, cell biology, and zebrafish facilities that our institute offers. Moreover, the candidate is expected to make strong connections with the Drug Discovery research community in other institutes of the Faculty of Science and with clinical researchers at the Leiden University Medical Center. Finally, the candidate appointed will enthusiastically contribute to training the next generation of biologists, at BSc, MSc and PhD levels.
Research at our faculty
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 expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity 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 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 organised 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 2300 staff and almost 5000 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 and http://workingat.leiden.edu/
The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of Biodiversity and 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 and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.
Selection criteria
- PhD in biology or biomedicine or a related field with an excellent publication record
- A visionary (future) leader in the field, with an independent research line focused on human disease mechanisms
- Expertise in cell biology and zebrafish research
- Innovative combination of zebrafish and cellular/organoid models is a pre
- Proven ability to acquire research funding and strongly positioned for personal and collaborative grant opportunities in the Dutch and European funding landscape
- Track record in (intersectorial) collaboration, ideally including across scientific (sub)disciplines
- Clear educational vision on how to teach biology students in cell biological and biomedical areas
- University Teaching Qualification or willingness to acquire this within the next five years
Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of fixed term post. Salary range from € 4.728,- to € 10.441,- gross per month (pay scale 11-16) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), depending on experience.
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 break.
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, he/ she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years. There’s a language proficiency of minimum level Cl required for staff who will teach in English.
Our values
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Information and application
Enquiries can be made to Annemarie Meijer, department head Animal Sciences ([email protected]) or Hubertus Irth, Scientific Director ([email protected]). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman ([email protected]).
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Contact details of 3 references
- Research and Teaching vision
Only applications received before 31 August 2026 can be considered.
