Tenure-track Research Position - Westerdijk Institute - Utrecht

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is seeking innovative and curious scientists for a tenure-track research position in yeast taxonomy, ecology, or related fields.

Join us in our mission to advance mycological research and tackle pressing societal challenges.

The institute

The Westerdijk Institute is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Home to over 100,000 living fungal strains, yeasts and bacteria, we are at the forefront of mycology, studying biodiversity, advancing taxonomy, and developing techniques to explore the biology, ecology, and genetics of fungi. Our diverse, internationally oriented institute has 50 employees and a similar number of guest researchers who collaborate to address critical issues in health, agriculture, and industry.

Research environment

At the Westerdijk Institute, we conduct fundamental and applied research in evolutionary biology, taxonomy, and biodiversity. The institute has a long history of yeast research, having been part of, and later leading, the taxonomic reference The Yeasts. Our world-renowned biobank of filamentous fungi and yeasts, preserving many type cultures, is essential for generating reference genomes and MALDI-TOF spectra, which contribute to advances in agriculture, medical research, and biotechnology. We are committed to integrating AI to enhance insights into fungal species boundaries, food safety, and sustainable practices.

What we offer

• A tenure-track research position in an outstanding scientific environment
• Funding for a PhD position
• A transparent tenure evaluation process and active career development programs
• A possibility to become a Professor at the University of Amsterdam in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

What you bring

We invite applications from scientists ready to develop independent research, secure peer-reviewed funding, and build a research team during their tenure track. Candidates specializing in yeast taxonomy or yeast ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. You will contribute to our mission of excellence and uphold high standards of quality and integrity. Strong leadership skills in mentoring and inspiring a team are essential. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.