Position open : Museum Associate Director & University Professor, Leiden, the Netherlands

[Arntzen, J.W.]

as advertized in 'Nature' last week


Associate director of research/Professor of evolutionary biology and biodiversity

Associate Director of Research (part-time) 
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY NATURALIS 

and 

Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity (part-time) 
LEIDEN UNIVERSITY

http://www.naturalis.nl/ 
http://www.IBL.leidenuniv.nl/ and  http://www.vacatures.leidenuniv.nl/

The National Museum of Natural History (NNM/Naturalis) in Leiden and the Institute of Biology at Leiden University are establishing a 50/50 bridging position with the following major aims:

/       to set the agenda for scientific research at Naturalis (21 scientists, c. 15 million specimens), to guide its development and implementation, and to ensure significant external funding. Research at Naturalis has a wide scope ranging from coral reef biodiversity to gemmology and has a strong connection with collection hotspots; 
/       to encourage and develop a more active interaction of biodiversity-based research across Naturalis and the IBL (11 research sections, 150 faculty members), ranging from phylogeny and (palaeo)biogeography to comparative genomics, bio-prospecting, ecological and theoretical studies; 
/       to utilize the combined resources of Naturalis, with 250,000 visitors annually, and the wide spectrum of biodiversity research in Leiden and associated institutions to stimulate public relations and improve student intakes for the Biology teaching streams in Leiden; 
/       to take a prominent role in coordinating new national initiatives in biodiversity; 
/       to assist in building up a new Netherlands Centre of Biodiversity that is strongly positioned within all the major European initiatives. 

The successful candidate will be someone with the following skills and expertise:

1       an eminent evolutionary biologist having a broad vision on Earth and Life Sciences and an affinity with alpha-taxonomic research; 
2       a track-record of, and drive for attracting and leading research projects and programmes in an innovative and multi-disciplinary biodiversity-context; 
3       excellent communicative skills in English and, within 3 years of appointment, in Dutch, both in scientific and governmental circles as well as in front of a general audience; 
4       an affinity with the other main activities of Naturalis (collection keeping, exhibitions, educational programmes) and of the IBL (teaching); 
5       the resourcefulness to contribute to the general management of both Naturalis and the Institute of Biology; 
6       the ability to build bridges thus encouraging scientists to work together in innovative ways, and leading to a more effective collaboration among scientists, managers and non-government organisations. 

For more information on current research and research facilities, see both institutes' websites.

Both IBL and Naturalis offer a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Both institutes are affirmative action/equal opportunity employers committed to equality of opportunity and a diverse workforce.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a clearly focused research vision (max. 2 pages), a statement of teaching interests, and the names and addresses (incl. tel. and e-mail) of three potential referees by e-mail (preferably as a single PDF file) or by mail to Mrs. S.S. Liefhebber, Human Resources Advisor, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA  LEIDEN. E-mail : liefhebber at naturalis.nl.

Reprints/copies of the 5 most significant publications and additional information may be requested at a later stage. Closing date: December 15st . The effective date of employment is negotiable, but should preferably not be later than May 1, 2006.


For enquiries please contact : 

Prof. Dr. Leo Kriegsman, Interim Associate Director of Research, 
e-mail: kriegsman at naturalis.nl 
(phone +31 71 568 76 54)

Or

Prof. dr. P.J.J. Hooykaas, Scientific Director IBL, 
e-mail: hooykaas at rulbim.leidenuniv.nl 
(phone +31 71 5274933).