Assistant Professor in Biophysics

Your job

The Laboratory of Biophysics at Wageningen University & Research is looking for an Assistant Professor in the domains of functional imaging and biophysics. As the chosen candidate, you will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of new research activities in the group. Teaching courses in physics, spectroscopy and imaging is an essential part of this job. We are open to candidates with backgrounds in various fields of experimental and/or computational research that ideally connect to the current topics covered by the group: NMR/MRI of soft (bio-)matter, single-molecule biophysics, functional imaging of foods, photosynthetic light-harvesting and acclimation. Given the current gender balance, we strongly encourage women / x to apply.

You will be expected to grow to more senior functions within the group as part of the academic career framework. Promotion is based on an evaluation of research, teaching, project acquisition, outreach, and academic services.

Specifically, you will:

• establish your own research group as part of the Laboratory of Biophysics with a focus on optical and/or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging;
• acquire competitive research funding to develop your own group;
• supervise and coach BSc and MSc students, PhD candidates, and postdocs;
• teach and coordinate courses at BSc and MSc level;
• contribute to the Laboratory of Biophysics, the University, and the scientific community.

You will work here:
The research is embedded within the chair Laboratory of Biophysics (Biophysics - WUR), which is led by Prof. Herbert van Amerongen. Together with other chair groups the Laboratory of Biophysics is running and using  the Microspectroscopy Research Facility (MSC) - WUR and of the MAGNEtic resonance research FacilitY (MAGNEFY) - WUR, which gives you access to a range of cutting-edge setups and techniques for both optical and NMR microscopy and spectroscopy. Please visit the websites for an overview of the facilities.   

In this challenging career trajectory:

• you acquire, lead and implement innovative and creative (inter-)national research projects in the Laboratory of Biophysics;
• you collaborate with colleagues and supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students during their thesis work and you develop and teach courses;
• you contribute to the further development of the Laboratory of Biophysics.

Your qualities

You are an enthusiastic scientist and a team player, with a passion for experimental and/or computational research in the field of functional imaging and biophysics. You hold a PhD degree in (bio)physics, physical chemistry or a related field. You are adept at working in a multicultural organisation. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and orally are essential, while international experience (particularly experience in project management and acquisition of research funding) is highly appreciated.

You also have:

• a link with the current research topics in the group: NMR/MRI of soft (bio-)matter, single molecule biophysics, photosynthetic light-harvesting and acclimation;
• experience with supervision of PhD candidates and students;
• proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals;
• ability to explain physical concepts to students with different backgrounds;
• strong commitment to teaching and education.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will be offered a fixed-term, 18 months contract which, upon positive evaluation based on criteria elaborated in the University's Academic Career Framework, can lead to a permanent employment contract as professor. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 4.537,- and € 6.209,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11).

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 20^th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for 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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Herbert van Amerongen, chairholder of Biophysics, tel.: +31317482634, or by email: Herbert.vanamerongen@wur.nl.   

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter, by email: rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Your application should contain a cover letter, a research and teaching statement (max 4 pages in 1 PDF document) and CV including a list of publications.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including the 24^th of February 2025. We aim to have the first round of interviews in the middle of March 2025. A first interview with the hiring committee will be held online. A short 10 minute presentation about research interests will be part of the interview. After the first round up to three candidates will be invited to our laboratory for a second interview round.

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.

We are

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, 7,700 employees (7,000 fte), 2,500 PhD and EngD candidates, 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 this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.