About Naturalis
Naturalis Biodiversity Center, located in Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, is a premier research institute and museum dedicated to biodiversity. Founded in 1820 as the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, it has evolved through mergers, including with the Zoological Museum Amsterdam and the National Herbarium of the Netherlands in 2010, to become a leading center for natural history research. Naturalis houses over 42 million specimens, making it one of the world's largest natural history collections. Its mission is to describe, understand, and protect biodiversity for a sustainable future. Key achievements include groundbreaking research in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and conservation, with contributions to global databases like the Catalogue of Life. The institute collaborates with universities such as Leiden University and Wageningen University, offering academic programs and research opportunities. Campus facilities in Leiden feature modern labs, a public museum with interactive exhibits, and research centers focused on geology, botany, and zoology. For more details, visit the Naturalis Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in Netherlands and Academic Jobs in Zuid-Holland.
Naturalis emphasizes interdisciplinary research, addressing pressing issues like climate change and species extinction. It hosts international symposia and publishes in top journals, fostering a vibrant academic community. Whether you're a researcher, student, or professional, Naturalis offers a unique blend of museum curation, scientific investigation, and educational outreach. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor to gain insights into teaching quality at affiliated programs.
The institute's history reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, from its royal origins to modern-day innovations like DNA barcoding and AI-driven species identification. Naturalis plays a crucial role in Dutch higher education, providing PhD positions and postdoctoral fellowships in partnership with universities. Its location in Leiden, a historic university city, enhances access to resources like the Leiden University Library. For academics interested in biodiversity, Naturalis represents a hub of innovation and collaboration.
Explore careers and resources at Naturalis via Higher Ed Jobs, where you can find listings for research jobs Naturalis and faculty positions Naturalis tailored to your expertise.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Naturalis
Pursue academic careers at Naturalis with high-demand roles such as Research Scientists, Curators, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Lecturers in biodiversity-related fields. Based on 2025 trends, there's growing demand for positions in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and climate impact studies, driven by global environmental challenges. Key departments include the Research and Education sector, focusing on taxonomy and systematics, with opportunities in collaborative projects with European research networks. Salary ranges for these roles in the Netherlands are competitive; for instance, postdoctoral researchers at Naturalis earn approximately €3,500–€4,800 per month, while senior researchers or assistant professor equivalents can expect €4,500–€6,500, influenced by experience and funding sources like EU grants. Full professor positions Naturalis may reach €6,000–€9,000 monthly, with additional benefits like research allowances. These figures are based on Dutch academic salary scales (UFO system) and recent data from sources like Glassdoor and Dutch university reports, adjusted for 2025 inflation projections of 2-3%. Naturalis often advertises roles through its website and platforms like AcademicJobs.com, emphasizing interdisciplinary work. For example, faculty in the Botany department at Naturalis contribute to herbarium digitization projects, while those in Zoology engage in fieldwork and lab-based research. Lecturer roles Naturalis involve teaching in affiliated university programs, with a focus on higher education jobs Naturalis that blend research and education.
Job trends indicate a rise in positions related to sustainable development and bioinformatics, with Naturalis leading in biodiversity data science. Academic opportunities at Naturalis include tenure-track paths for early-career researchers, supported by national funding bodies like NWO. Salaries in academia at Naturalis are bolstered by location in Zuid-Holland, where cost-of-living adjustments apply. To apply, check listings for professor positions Naturalis and research jobs Naturalis. Visit Higher Ed Jobs for filtered opportunities at Naturalis, or explore Research Jobs for specialized roles.
The institute's emphasis on open-access data and international collaborations makes it attractive for global talent. Recent hires have focused on digital innovation, with roles requiring skills in AI and machine learning for species identification. For job seekers, Naturalis offers a supportive environment with professional development programs. Explore lecturer roles Naturalis and higher education jobs Naturalis to advance your career in a dynamic setting.
Research Scientist 💼
Focus on biodiversity studies, salary €4,000–€6,000/month.
Postdoctoral Fellow 🔬
Engage in conservation projects, salary €3,500–€4,800/month.
Curator 📚
Manage collections, salary €4,500–€7,000/month.
Lecturer 🎓
Teach affiliated courses, salary €4,000–€5,500/month.
Why Work at Naturalis
Academic careers at Naturalis offer unparalleled opportunities in biodiversity research, with access to world-class collections and cutting-edge facilities. Researchers benefit from collaborations with top institutions, generous funding, and a focus on impactful science. Unique perks include fieldwork expeditions, professional development workshops, and a family-friendly work environment in picturesque Leiden. Naturalis stands out for its commitment to sustainability and public engagement, making it rewarding for those passionate about conservation. Explore why faculty jobs Naturalis are highly sought after through Higher Ed Jobs.
The institute's innovative culture fosters creativity, with low hierarchy and emphasis on work-life balance, typical of Dutch academia. Career prospects include advancement to leadership roles in international projects.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Naturalis
Faculty salaries at Naturalis follow Dutch academic standards, with ranges varying by rank, experience, and department. Based on 2025 data from sources like the VSNU and Glassdoor, entry-level researchers earn €3,200–€4,500 monthly, while mid-level roles like senior scientists command €4,800–€6,800. Full professors or equivalent directors may see €7,000–€10,000, including bonuses for publications and grants. Factors influencing pay include tenure status, external funding, and location in high-cost Zuid-Holland, where housing allowances apply. Compared to other Dutch institutions, Naturalis offers competitive packages, especially in research-intensive fields like genomics. For instance, in the Geology department, salaries average 5% higher due to specialized expertise. Overall, average faculty pay at Naturalis is around €5,500/month, with benefits like pension contributions and holiday pay adding 20-30% value. Trends for 2025 show a 3% increase due to inflation and talent competition. Salaries Naturalis academia are transparent, with scales published annually. Visit Professor Salaries for detailed comparisons and University Salaries for benchmarks.
Experience plays a key role; PhD holders start lower but advance quickly with publications. Departmental variations exist, with tech-focused roles in bioinformatics offering premiums. Location in Leiden provides access to affordable housing schemes for academics. For international hires, tax benefits like the 30% ruling can boost net income by up to 30%. Naturalis emphasizes equity, with gender pay gaps minimal per recent reports. Job seekers should consider total compensation, including research budgets and sabbaticals. This guide helps in negotiating offers for academic careers Naturalis.
In comparison to European peers, Naturalis salaries are on par with German or UK institutions but benefit from lower living costs. For 2025, expect adjustments for sustainability-focused roles. Explore more on salaries Naturalis academia via Professor Salaries.
| Rank | Average Salary (Monthly, €) | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoc 📊 | 3,500–4,800 | Experience, grants |
| Senior Researcher | 4,800–6,800 | Department, publications |
| Professor | 7,000–10,000 | Leadership, funding |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Naturalis
Find and rate top educators at Naturalis with Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality in programs affiliated with Naturalis, such as biodiversity courses. Ratings highlight excellence in research mentoring and classroom engagement, aiding course selection and recognizing outstanding faculty.
Prof. Menno Schilthuizen
Department: Evolutionary Biology. Rating: 4.8/5. Known for engaging lectures on urban evolution.
Dr. Freek Vonk
Department: Zoology. Rating: 4.7/5. Praised for fieldwork expertise and student mentorship.
Prof. Barbara Gravendeel
Department: Botany. Rating: 4.9/5. Excels in plant genomics and collaborative research.
Dr. Vincent Merckx
Department: Mycology. Rating: 4.6/5. Noted for innovative fungi studies and clear teaching.
Prof. Erik Smets
Department: Systematics. Rating: 4.8/5. Highly rated for expertise in plant evolution.
Dr. Koos Biesmeijer
Department: Ecology. Rating: 4.7/5. Appreciated for pollinator research and practical guidance.
Career Progression at Naturalis
Career paths at Naturalis typically start with PhD or postdoc roles, progressing to tenured researcher or curator positions. Tenure-track opportunities emphasize publications and grant acquisition, with salaries increasing from €3,500 to €8,000+ over 10-15 years. Professional development includes workshops and international conferences. Find guidance at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Strengths in biodiversity funding support rapid advancement, with many moving to leadership in EU projects.
Research and Innovation at Naturalis
Current trends at Naturalis include AI in biodiversity monitoring and climate resilience studies, with major centers like the ARISE infrastructure for species identification. Funding from NWO and EU supports collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations focus on digital twins of ecosystems and global conservation efforts.
Resources for Naturalis Academics
- Professional development via NWO grants and workshops 💼
- Union support through VAWO for academics
- Benefits include health insurance and pension plans
- Access to Leiden's research libraries 📚
Student Life and Perspectives at Naturalis
Students at Naturalis engage in hands-on programs with museum internships and research theses. Career outcomes lead to roles in conservation. Use Rate My Professor for advisor selection.
Vibrant life in Leiden includes cultural events and student societies.
