Full Professor and Chair Laboratory of Biophysics

We are looking for a Full Professor in the Biophysics chair group, part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

The Laboratory of Biophysics focuses on studying and developing an understanding of the physical aspects of life processes and to teach the fundamentals of physics and biophysics and their application in the life sciences. The chair group puts a strong emphasis on the development and application of advanced spectroscopy and imaging techniques. Research directions of current staff include the dynamics and acclimation of photosynthetic light harvesting, NMR/MRI in soft matter and food science, single-molecule biophysics and imaging, and acclimation responses in photosynthetic organisms. The covered techniques span a broad range of time and length scales, from subpicoseconds to days and from nanometers to meters - from molecules to organisms. 

The position of chair at the Laboratory of Biophysics offers you the opportunity to shape and expand your own research lines in synergy with the group’s staff, while also developing your academic leadership profile. In this role, you are responsible for both the academic and operational management of the group. Your responsibilities will include setting up the research strategy together with your team, guiding a diverse team of scientists, lecturers, and support staff, and further strengthening the group’s national and international standing. In addition, you will contribute to high-quality education at the BSc, MSc, and PhD levels and help drive innovation in teaching.

The Laboratory of Biophysics group currently consists of one chair holder and full professor, two associate professors, 1 assistant professor, five permanent staff members involved in technical support, teaching and research, three postdoctoral researchers, and nine PhD candidates. 

The chair group is part of the Biomolecular Sciences Cluster. The cluster consists of eight chair groups: Biochemistry , BioNanoTechnology, Biophysics, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Systems and Synthetic Biology, and Toxicology. The Cluster integrates expertise and research interests in molecular principles of life, molecular principles of materials, and molecular solutions for societal challenges supported by state-of-the-art research infrastructure such as MicroSpectroscopy Research Facility (MSC) and the NMR/MRI Research Facility MAGNEFY, and advanced laboratories for experimental and analytical work.

More information on the Laboratory of Biophysics can be found on the website Biophysics | WUR

As a successful candidate, you will bring the following qualities and experience:

• you hold a PhD degree and have an internationally recognized scientific track record in the field of biophysics;
• you have a clear long-term vision for research, teaching, and group development that complements the existing strengths of the chair group;
• you have experience in building and maintaining a broad (inter)national network;
• you have a successful track record in securing research funding;
• you are an experienced and inspiring teacher who enjoys engaging students in learning. You have supervised students from diverse backgrounds and contributed to curriculum innovation and the development of courses at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD level;
• you have proven experience in leading research teams. Your leadership style is empathic and inclusive – you actively listen, value the perspectives of others and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard and appreciated. You focus on professional development, team building and creating synergy within the group.
• You have proven experience in financial and personnel management. As a WUR chair holder, you will be responsible for the group’s financial planning and personnel leadership.
• You are enthusiastic about representing the field and the group in research, education, and outreach. As a WUR chair holder, you are expected to contribute to WUR's strategy and represent WUR in (inter)national networks.

You will be working for an inspiring international organisation actively engaged in a large number of interdisciplinary projects all over the world. The scientific quality of Wageningen University & Research is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in international rankings and citation indices.

We offer you a position as Full Professor and Chair of the Laboratory of Biophysics. Besides a competitive salary (maximum gross salary for starting chair holders is scale H2 step 13 € 10.441,- per month), we offer a number of additional benefits, such as an end-of-year extra month’s salary, a holiday allowance and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education. International candidates moving to the Netherlands may benefit from a special tax relief, by which a part of their salary is exempt from tax for several years. 

Working hours can be discussed to optimize the work-life balance (32-38 hours per week).

We are a globally leading university in the life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

The university’s highly qualified team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. Furthermore, WUR offers a dual career programme for partners to assist your partner in finding a job or starting a business in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we assist you in finding schools for your children and advise you on finding housing in the region or elsewhere in the Netherlands.

 The Wageningen University & Research (WUR) InternationalCommunity page contains practical information about what we do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen.

Further information about the position can be acquired from prof. dr Dolf Weijers, chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee. E-mail: dolf.weijers@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure you can contact Ineke Ammerlaan, Secretary of the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC). Email: ineke.ammerlaan@wur.nl

Application

You are invited to address your application to Ineke Ammerlaan and upload it via our website. The application should include (as pdf documents):

• An application letter with curriculum vitae,
• A separate list of publications,
• Your vision on research and education in the domain of the chair (Max 2 pages),
• A statement on your leadership style and experience (Max 2 pages).

The closing date of the vacancy is 8 March, 2026. The Committee will inform you about the status of your application no later than 1 April, 2026. The Committee will interview selected candidates for this position on April 13 and 14, 2026. The Committee will thereafter invite short-listed candidates for a second interview and a public lecture on May 20 and 21, 2026.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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