Assistant Professor position in Evolutionary Adaptation in the Anthropocene

• Deadline: 2 Nov '26
• Published: 8 Oct '26
• Vacancy ID: 5964
• Research fields: Environmental science; Biological sciences
• Job types: Assistant professor
• Education level: Doctorate
• Salary indication: €4925—€6682 per month
• Location: De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam

Job description

The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in molecular evolution in the field of Evolutionary Adaptation in the Anthropocene.

Humans are causing unprecedented and fast changes on our planet, challenging scientists to understand how anthropogenic environmental change affects the evolution of traits and interactions of species. Genetic and phenotypic variation play a crucial role in adaptation of species to anthropogenic habitats. We are looking for candidates who combine outstanding research with enthusiastic teaching, in understanding the molecular basis of adaptation in human-impacted environments, using approaches such as epigenetics, transcriptomics, and functional genetics. Candidates studying the molecular effect of selection pressure caused by pollution and/or urbanization on terrestrial invertebrates are specifically invited to apply. The position is embedded in the section Ecology & Evolution, a vibrant research group with a strong global track record in conservation genomics, stress adaptation, species interactions and trait ecology. The candidates are expected to contribute to our focus on integrative ecological and evolutionary research.

The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) offers a stimulating international research environment with a world-class academic reputation, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a strong commitment to bachelor and master level teaching. Research in the institute covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics with the aim of advancing the fundamental understanding of the interplay between life and its environment. The section’s strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels, including human populations. We do this as an international, inclusive, and collaborative group of researchers.

We ask candidates to write a concise research statement (max. 1 pages) that identifies and presents how their research plans will contribute to the research portfolio of the department in general, and the section Ecology & Evolution in particular. In addition, we ask candidates to provide a concise teaching statement (also 1 pages max.) reflecting on their teaching vision and how they will contribute to the teaching tasks of the department.

Your duties

• develop a vigorous, largely extramurally funded research program
• teach bachelor and master level courses in evolution, ecology, ecotoxicology or related subjects
• provide high-quality training and supervision to BSc and MSc-students, PhD-students and postdocs
• engage in professional development activities related to teaching and academic leadership

Requirements

• PhD in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, ecotoxicology or related field with at least three years of postdoctoral experience
• strong track record of research and publications in the field of evolutionary adaptation to anthropogenic environmental changes
• proven ability for acquisition of external funding
• demonstrated skills in activating teaching methods in BSc and MSc level courses
• excellent communication skills (written and spoken English) and motivation to work in a team
• proficiency in Dutch is not required, but the successful candidate is expected to develop at least a passive proficiency within three years after appointment

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 4.925,00 (Scale 11) and maximum € 6.682,00 (Scale 11) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Lecturer / Assistant Professor 2. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, there is a prospect of a permanent contract

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• hybrid working enables a good work-life balance
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave

Employer

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the department

The Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) offers a stimulating international research environment with a world-class academic reputation and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the section Ecology & Evolution covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning and investigates a variety of animal species. The section’s strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels. We do this as an international, inclusive, and collaborative group of researchers.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Additional information

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, CV, research statement (max. 1 page), a teaching statement (max. 1 page), and names and contact information for three references by 2 November. References will be contacted for letters of recommendation.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Working at VU Amsterdam

Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.