Tenure-track Research Position - Westerdijk Institute

Tenure-track Research Position
- Westerdijk Institute
- Utrecht Beschrijving van de vacature Tenure-track Research Position
- Westerdijk Institute
- Utrecht

T he Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is seeking innovative and curious scientists for a tenure-track research position in yeast taxonomy, ecology, or related fields. Join us in our mission to advance mycological research and tackle pressing societal challenges!

Located at Utrecht Science Park, the Westerdijk Institute is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Home to over 100,000 living fungal strains, we are at the forefront of mycology, studying biodiversity, advancing taxonomy, and developing techniques to explore the biology, ecology, and genetics of fungi. Our diverse team of 50 employees and a similar number of international guest researchers collaborates to address critical issues in health, agriculture, and industry.

At the Westerdijk Institute, we conduct fundamental and applied research in evolutionary biology, taxonomy, and biodiversity. The institute has a long history of yeast research, having been part of, and later leading, the taxonomic reference “The Yeasts”. Our world-renowned biobank of filamentous fungi and yeasts (preserving many type cultures) is essential for generating reference genomes and MALDI-TOF spectra, which contribute to advances in agriculture, medical research, and biotechnology.

We are committed to integrating AI to enhance insights into fungal species boundaries, food safety, and sustainable practices.

• A tenure-track research position in an outstanding scientific environment
• A competitive salary with flexible working arrangements
• Funding for a PhD position
• A transparent tenure evaluation process and active career development programs
• A possibility to become a Professor at the University of Amsterdam in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics
• A commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and safety in the workplace

We invite applications from scientists with a completed PhD and postdoctoral experience who are ready to develop independent research, secure peer-reviewed funding, and build a research team during their tenure track. Candidates specializing in yeast taxonomy or yeast ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. You will contribute to our mission of excellence and uphold high standards of quality and integrity. Strong leadership skills in mentoring and inspiring a team are essential.

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences located at Utrecht Science Park. Our researchers study biodiversity across the entire spectrum of the fungal kingdom. They develop and use a wide range of techniques to map the biology, ecology, and genetic information of fungi.
With a unique collection of more than 100,000 living fungal strains, yeasts and bacteria, we are at the forefront of mycological research worldwide. We are a center of expertise for mycology and contribute to solving socially relevant issues in the areas of health, agriculture and industry.
Our relatively small, internationally diverse institute has 50 employees and a similar number of guest researchers.
Additional information is available on our website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 4.925 and the maximum salary is €6.682 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale
11 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a…