"Full Professor and Chair of Soil Biology"

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is seeking a full professor (0.8 - 1.0 fte) to lead the Chair Group Soil Biology of Wageningen University. The Soil Biology group seeks a chair holder to further strengthen and shape the research and education portfolio of the chair group and be accountable for its management.

As a chair holder you will be responsible for defining the research and education strategy of the group together with the team of academic and support staff that you will lead in an inclusive and motivating way. You will use your scientific expertise and global network to support and strengthen academic development of the group and its individual staff members, to maintain the international visibility of the group’s research and its societal impact, (co)create new research directions, collaborate with other disciplines and develop externally funded research programs. You will contribute to the development, innovation and execution of education in BSc, MSc and PhD courses, to maintain and strengthen the excellent reputation and position of WUR in national, European and international higher education.

About Soil Biology: Building on the mission of WUR, the mission of the Soil Biology Group is “To explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”. Our aim is to advance and share knowledge, through research and education, on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world. Our mission is driven by research and education, focusing on two core themes: (1) Soils in a Changing Climate, which examines the role of soils in climate resilience; and (2) Healthy and Fertile Soils, which investigates interactions between soil biota and cycles of elements, and the effects of land management on soil biodiversity in agricultural contexts. We are dedicated to excellence in teaching linked to cutting-edge research, encouraging student engagement with the current societal challenges related to soils.

The group consists of an enthusiastic, diverse and creative team, including 30 PhD candidates, 10 supporting staff members and 14 academic staff members. The group contributes to teaching in 3 BSc and 5 MSc programmes of WU in the fields of biology, soil, plant and environmental sciences.

Requirements: As a successful candidate, you hold a PhD degree in soil biology or a related field and have a strong and internationally acknowledged research profile that complements the group and contributes to its mission, are an experienced academic leader with an intrinsic motivation to make people in the team thrive. Your leadership style is unifying, supportive and inclusive, focusing on synergy, team-building and development to academic excellence of the team and its members, are an experienced teacher and mentor of MSc and PhD students, and have an inspiring vision on (organising) teaching in the chair group, have a strong track record in securing and managing funding of fundamental and applied grants and are able to coach staff members to acquire research funding, building on scientific collaborations within (international) networks, contribute to and encourage communication about the importance of healthy soils for society, have experience with research and financial management in a research setting.

Conditions of employment: We offer you a position as Full Professor and chair of the Soil Biology chair group. Besides a competitive salary (maximum gross salary for starting chair holders is € 10.441,- per month), we offer a number of additional benefits, such as an end-of-year extra month’s salary, a holiday allowance and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education. International candidates moving to the Netherlands may benefit from a special tax relief, by which a part of their salary is exempt from tax for several years. For further details see: https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs/Moving-to-the-Netherlands.htm. Working hours can be discussed to optimize the work-life balance (32-38 hours per week). A virtual tour on WUR’s green and sustainable campus can be taken here.

Application: You are encouraged to upload your complete application and address this to Dr. Theo Jetten. The application should include (as pdf documents): A motivation letter (max. 2 pages), A curriculum vitae including the names of 4 references (in total max. 4 pages), A separate list of publications, Your vision on research and education in the domain of soil biology (max. 2 pages). The closing date of the vacancy is October 7 2025.