Assistant Professor position in Astronomy Observatory

Assistant Professor position in Astronomy at Leiden Observatory

Job Description Assistant Professor position in Astronomy at Leiden Observatory Vacancy number: 16948 Job type:
Academic staff Contract hours min: 38 Contract hours max: 38

Location:

Leiden Applying is possible up to and including: 13 December 2026

Leiden Observatory at Leiden University invites applications for one or more faculty positions at the level of Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent / University Lecturer, 1.0 fte). The starting date is to be determined in consultation.

We seek outstanding scientists who will establish an independent and internationally leading research programme that complements and broadens the scientific activities of Leiden Observatory. We welcome applications from across astronomy and astrophysics, including observational, theoretical, computational, and instrumentation research.

We encourage applications across the broad research programme of the Observatory, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, cosmology and large‑scale structure, the Milky Way and stellar dynamics, compact objects and gravitational‑wave astrophysics, star formation and the interstellar medium, and astrochemistry. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring new expertise or create connections between existing research activities.

In addition, we particularly encourage applications from candidates working in areas that connect to current and future strategic opportunities at Leiden Observatory. These include (sub) millimetre astronomy, and space/ground‑based astronomical instrumentation, especially at optical and infrared wavelengths. Leiden hosts ALLEGRO, the Dutch node of the European ALMA Regional Centre, and has a strong involvement in the development and scientific exploitation of major astronomical instrumentation through NOVA.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong and independent research programme, attract external research funding, collaborate with partners, supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and contribute to the scientific life of the Observatory. They will also contribute to teaching and supervision within the Leiden Astronomy BSc and MSc programmes and to the organisation and development of the Observatory.

Leiden Observatory is the astronomical institute of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University and one of the largest academic astronomy institutes in Europe. The Observatory is part of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA) and has strong connections with ASTRON, SRON, ESO, ESA, and other national and international research organisations.

We are looking for candidates who:

• hold a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field;
• have an excellent research track record appropriate to their career stage and the potential to develop an internationally leading independent research programme;
• have a clear vision for their future research and for how it will connect to and strengthen research at Leiden Observatory;
• have the potential to attract external research funding;
• are enthusiastic and inspiring teachers and supervisors, with a commitment to high‑quality and inclusive education;
• are willing and able to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) within two years if they do not already possess an equivalent qualification;
• are clear communicators and collaborative colleagues who enjoy working in an international and diverse academic environment;
• are willing to contribute to the broader organisation and academic community of Leiden Observatory and the Faculty of Science.

Leiden Observatory is the astronomical institute of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. With a rich…