Junior Professor (Tenure Track) in Forest Ecology and Multifunctional Forest Management

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Faculteit Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen - Afdeling Bos, Natuur en Landschap Research Field Agricultural sciences » Forest sciences Biological sciences » Biodiversity Environmental science » Ecology Environmental science » Global change Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Final date to receive applications 15 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number ZAP-2026-15 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

You will establish an international-level research program focused on developing quantitative solutions for the monitoring, conservation, and multifunctional management of forests. This program will address the optimization of various ecosystem services, such as climate regulation, wood production and biodiversity, by creating engineering solutions tailored to challenges like climate and land use changes, as well as societal and economic needs.

You possess a deep understanding of the ecology and management of temperate forests, and you have extensive fieldwork experience. Experience with advanced modelling or advanced technologies in forest research is valued. While the research will primarily focus on temperate forests and its tree species, it may also extend to other forest biomes.

You will establish a research group and develop partnerships both within KU Leuven and on an (inter) national scale. Collaboration within the Division Forest, Nature, and Landscape on topics such as urban forestry, ecosystem restoration, digital twins, and biodiversity conservation will be highly valued.

You are expected to obtain competitive funding that supports the attainment of PhDs and generates publications conforming to international standards, ultimately garnering widespread recognition. Additionally, you will focus on the valorization of your research findings, ensuring they support policy-making regarding forest ecosystems.

You will provide high-quality education to both Bachelor's and Master's students at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, within the domain of Forest Ecology and Management with a clear commitment to the quality of the programme as a whole. The educational profile of the faculty is strongly geared towards engineering solutions and applied competencies.

The initial teaching assignment will include the courses ‘Forestry’, ‘Forest management’ and several field courses. You will develop your teaching in accordance with KU Leuven's vision on activating and research-based education and take advantage of the opportunities for educational professionalization offered by the faculty and the university.

Courses are taught in Dutch and English. Before teaching courses in Dutch and English, you will show your proficiency to the required language standard.

You will also contribute to the faculty’s and the university’s pedagogical project through the supervision of student projects (for example, bachelor’s and master’s theses) and by acting as a promoter of PhD students. You are willing to engage in scientific, societal, and internal service activities (such as serving on the departmental council). You will play an active role in promoting KU Leuven to new students and the wider professional field, and contribute to shaping forest-related policy at the Flemish and European level.

• You have a PhD in Bioscience Engineering, Forestry, Ecology or a related degree.
• You have at least 3 years of experience in scientific research following the date of obtaining your doctorate.
• You have demonstrable excellence and productivity in research regarding forest ecology and management. For this profile, thorough field knowledge of temperate forests is a basic requirement.
• You have a strong research profile. The quality of your research is proven by publications in prominent international journals and through international research experience.
• A demonstrable network in relevant forest-related…