About this role
<div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Teaser Text</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for a position in Computational Environmental Science at Associate Professor (UHD) level.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Both LIACS and CML face converging scientific and societal challenges driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, and the transition to sustainable socio-ecological systems. At the same time, rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and computational modeling are transforming how complex environmental systems are studied, monitored, and governed. This initiative aligns strongly with European and Dutch research priorities around climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, digital twins of the Earth, trustworthy AI, and data-driven sustainability.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">We welcome candidates whose research addresses questions that are central to both frontier AI research (such as explainability, causality, and uncertainty quantification) and cutting-edge environmental science (such as climate impacts, sustainability transitions, and ecosystem modelling). Areas of particular interest include AI-supported data-driven analysis, monitoring and predictions for tracing supply chains, land-use change and sustainable resource management, as well as decision-support systems for sustainability policy and planning. Ideally, candidates will bridge computational methods with environmental applications and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations between computer science, environmental science, and sustainability practitioners. A proven track record of engagement with policy makers, industry partners, and/or environmental organizations will be considered a strong advantage.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The successful candidate will contribute to educational programs at bachelor and master level, and supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students at the intersection of computational methods and environmental science.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">In addition, the candidate is expected to secure external research funding to build and lead a research group offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values interdisciplinary research and real-world impact on environmental sustainability.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What you will do</b></H2> </div><div><ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Conduct independent research in computational environmental science, with emphasis on AI and data science applications that advance computational methodology and environmental understanding;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Teach at Bachelor/Master level one course annually at LIACS and one course at CML, related to the candidate’s research expertise;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm"> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;text-align:justify;line-height:107%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities across both institutes;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Supervise BSc and MSc thesis students from computer science, AI, and environmental sciences programs;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">(Co-)supervise PhD students in computational environmental science topics;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Secure external funding for research projects, including EU framework programs (e.g., Horizon Europe) and the Dutch national research council NWO;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within LIACS, CML, Leiden University, and the broader international research community;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Contribute to the development and promotion of computational environmental science research and education, building bridges between the two institutes.</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Where you will work</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. We are located in the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academy and industry come together. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. Research at LIACS spans core areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary applications. LIACS maintains a highly international and supportive research environment. Research groups work on fundamental questions in machine learning, optimization, computer vision, natural computing, and data science, while actively engaging with real-world challenges through collaborations with industry, government, and civil society.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is one of the oldest and most prestigious environmental research institutes in Europe. Founded in 1978, CML has pioneered methods in life cycle assessment, industrial ecology, and conservation biology. Research addresses environmental problems across scales, from molecular processes to global systems, and across sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and urban planning. Focus areas include sustainability assessment, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and climate adaptation. Research at CML is characterized by strong connections with industry, government, and civil society, ensuring contributions to real-world sustainability transitions through evidence-based solutions and policy support.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">This joint position offers a unique opportunity to combine methodological innovation in AI and data science with applications in environmental science and sustainability, working at the interface of two leading institutions. The position provides access to advanced computational facilities at LIACS, including high-performance computing resources, and to extensive environmental datasets, laboratory facilities, and industry partnerships at CML.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What you bring</b></H2> </div><div><ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Environmental Science with a strong computational component;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">An academic, creative, and open mindset, with demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Demonstrated research independence and as part of interdisciplinary teams in a supervisory role;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Research agenda centered on questions that are fundamental to both frontier AI research (e.g., causal inference, explainability, uncertainty quantification, optimization) and environmental science (e.g., climate impacts, sustainability assessment, ecosystem modeling, environmental monitoring);</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Experience supervising PhD students;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Experience in obtaining external research funding, including international grants (e.g., EU Horizon Europe, MSCA Networks, ERC) and evidence of strategic thinking about securing interdisciplinary funding in the future;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Teaching experience, including course development and supervision of student projects;</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">International recognition in the field (e.g. through collaborations, invited talks, and other forms of peer recognition);</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">Excellent proficiency in English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn it is an advantage.</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What we offer</b></H2> </div><div><div> </div> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">We offer a position as Associate Professor (UHD), divided equally between LIACS and CML, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities. </span><span style="line-height:115%">Upon appointment, agreements will be made regarding your career development in line with the policy for career development for scientific staff.</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><br><strong>We also offer:<br><br></strong></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A salary between € 6.512,= to € 7.904,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale 13);</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;</span></div> </li> <li style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt"> <div><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif;font-size:12.0pt">A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.</span></div> </li> </ul> <div> </div> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What we value</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">LIACS and CML foster inclusive and dynamic research environments with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of both Leiden University, which is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Want to apply or find out more?</b></H2> </div><div><div><span style="line-height:115%">Inquiries about this position can be directed to: Prof. Dr. Martina Vijver, Scientific Director of CML (email </span><span style="line-height:115%">[email protected]</span><span style="line-height:115%">) or Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue, Scientific Director of LIACS, (email </span><span style="line-height:115%">[email protected]</span><span style="line-height:115%">). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact </span><span style="line-height:115%">[email protected]</span> <p style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><br>Please submit your application online no later than <strong>August 31, 2026</strong>, via the application system. Please include:<br><br></span></p> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">A cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and how your research connects AI/data science and environmental science;</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">A research statement describing your vision for computational environmental science research and how it contributes to both computational methodology and environmental understanding;</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">A teaching statement outlining your approach to teaching across disciplinary boundaries and vision for courses at both LIACS and CML;</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">A full academic CV, including a working link to your public Google Scholar profile page, a brief overview of completed PhD supervisions, and funded projects;</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt 0.0px;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:'times new roman', times, sans-serif">The names and contact information (email and affiliation) of at least three persons who can be contacted for reference (and who have agreed to be contacted). There is no need to submit the reference letters at this stage of the application.</span></li> </ul> </div></div></div></div>