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The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a: 
 
Associate/Full Professor Computational Biology  

Vacancy number: 16015

Key responsibilities

The Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology (IBL), is looking for candidates for a position as Associate / Full Professor in Quantitative and Computational Biology or Bioinformatics. The IBL performs research across all forms of life and has a strong capacity to generate diverse types of data, including omics data, analytical data, imaging data and ecological data. Through this position, we aim to strengthen research and methodological innovation capacities for data analysis and multimodal data integration across organismal domains and data modalities, making use of state-of-the-art methodologies such as systems/network analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning and/or computational modelling approaches. Moreover, the candidate will have a leading role in expanding and professionalizing the growing computational biology research community at the IBL and fostering strategic partnerships within and beyond Leiden University. Finally, the person appointed will be involved in shaping educational innovations to train the next generation of biologists to be proficient in data science and quantitative approaches. 

The position falls within the Sectorplan Biology (available upon request) and connects primarily to two of the four research Themes of the IBL, namely Host-Microbe Interactions and Bioactive Molecules. 
 
Selection Criteria 

• PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics or a related field with a strong publication record
• A visionary (future) leader in the field, with an independent research line in quantitative and biological data analysis
• Excited to play a key role in our leading research themes Host-Microbe Interactions and/or Bioactive Molecules. Think of biological systems such as plant-microbe interactions and/or soil microbiomes, whereby an interest in bioactive natural products and their role in ecology is preferred.
• Proven ability to acquire larger scale research funding
• Proven methodological innovation capacities using network/systems analysis, machine learning, multimodal data integration or other areas relevant to the IBL 
• Track record in collaboration and community building, ideally including across scientific (sub)disciplines and/or across multiple kingdoms of life. 
• Clear educational vision on how to teach biology students quantitative and computational skills 
• University Teaching Qualification or willingness to acquire this within the next five years      

Research at our faculty 

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.  

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/ 

The Institute for Biology 

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.    

Terms and conditions  

We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of fixed term post. Salary range from € 6.512,- to € 10.441,-  gross per month (pay scale 13-16)  in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), depending on experience. 

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already  possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/ she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years. There’s a language proficiency of minimum level Cl required  for staff who will teach in English.

Information 

Enquiries can be made to Hubertus Irth, Scientific Director (directoribl@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications 
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Contact details of 3 references     

Only applications received before 30 October 2025 can be considered.

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