Assistant Professor in Ecology of Agricultural Production Systems at Leiden University, Netherlands (2026)

Leiden University is inviting applications for an Assistant Professor position in the ecology and sustainability of agricultural production systems within the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML). This faculty opportunity combines:

• research,
• teaching,
• and societal engagement

with a strong focus on biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and environmental transitions. 

The position is ideal for researchers working in:

• agroecology,
• soil ecology,
• biodiversity science,
• environmental biology,
• remote sensing,
• metagenomics,
• and sustainable food systems.

About Leiden University and CML

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s leading research universities.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) focuses on interdisciplinary environmental research addressing global sustainability challenges related to:

• biodiversity,
• food systems,
• water,
• urban systems,
• and natural resources. 

CML works closely with:

• Naturalis Biodiversity Centre,
• TU Delft,
• Erasmus University,
• and the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability.

Position Details

Feature	Details
Position	Assistant Professor
Institution	Leiden University
Department	Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)
Location	Leiden, Netherlands
Employment Type	Full-Time
Contract Hours	38 hours/week
Salary	€4,728 – €6,433/month
Application Deadline	10 June 2026
Interview Dates	18 June & 2 July 2026

Research Focus

The university is seeking an innovative scientist working on ecology and sustainability of agricultural production systems. The research should focus on understanding and reversing:

• biodiversity loss,
• soil degradation,
• nutrient cycling disruption,
• carbon cycle disruption,
• and other human-induced environmental pressures in agricultural systems. 

Preferred Research Areas

Leiden University especially welcomes expertise in:

1. Biochemical Cycles

Research on:

• nutrient cycling,
• carbon dynamics,
• and ecosystem functioning.

2. Large-Scale Biodiversity Change

Using tools such as:

• spatial ecology,
• remote sensing,
• and landscape-scale analysis.

3. Small-Scale Biodiversity Change

Including:

• soil biodiversity,
• metagenomics,
• and microbial ecology approaches. 

Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research

The successful candidate will contribute ecological expertise to sustainable food system transitions.

The university values candidates who combine:

• observational studies,
• modeling approaches,
• and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This position is part of the Department of Environmental Biology (EB) which conducts research on:

• biodiversity,
• soil ecology,
• molecular ecology,
• ecosystem services,
• urban ecology,
• forest dynamics,
• and ecotoxicology. 

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching forms 40% of the appointment. The selected candidate will contribute to:

• BSc programs,
• MSc programs,
• interdisciplinary sustainability education,
• thesis supervision,
• and course development.

Teaching areas include:

• environmental biology,
• sustainability transitions,
• agroecology,
• and biodiversity science. 

Academic Programs Involved

The candidate may teach in programs such as:

• MSc Governance of Sustainability
• BSc Science for Sustainable Societies
• BSc Biology
• MSc Biology
• BSc Urban Studies

The university values:

• small-group teaching,
• critical thinking,
• and interdisciplinary learning environments.

Main Responsibilities

The selected faculty member will:

• Conduct interdisciplinary ecological research
• Teach sustainability and environmental biology courses
• Supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students
• Participate in collaborative grant proposals
• Contribute to European research initiatives such as Horizon Europe Cluster 6, Farm to Fork, and NWA-ORC projects. 

Required Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A PhD in soil ecology, agroecology, landscape ecology, environmental biology, or related fields
• Strong publication record
• Experience supervising students
• Collaborative research skills
• Excellent English communication skills

The university also prefers candidates who:

• have teaching experience,
• can secure research funding,
• and are willing to learn Dutch within two years. 

Salary and Benefits

The position offers €4,728 – €6,433 gross monthly salary along with:

• 30.5 vacation days annually,
• pension benefits,
• holiday allowance,
• end-of-year bonus,
• flexible work arrangements,
• hybrid work options,
• childcare support,
• sports and wellness benefits,
• and sabbatical opportunities. 

Research Environment

CML provides:

• interdisciplinary collaborations,
• academic freedom,
• strong sustainability networks,
• and professional development support.

The university strongly supports:

• diversity,
• inclusion,
• and equal opportunity hiring.

Researchers interested in sustainability science and ecological transitions will find a highly collaborative environment at Leiden University.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
• Motivation Letter (max 2 pages)
• Research & Teaching Statement (max 2 pages)
• Contact details for at least two referees

Applications must be submitted through the official online recruitment system. 

Why This Opportunity Is Important

Global agriculture and biodiversity systems face increasing challenges from:

• climate change,
• soil degradation,
• habitat loss,
• and unsustainable land use.

This position directly contributes to:

• sustainable agriculture research,
• biodiversity conservation,
• and ecological resilience.

Researchers working at the interface of:

• ecology,
• sustainability,
• food systems,
• and environmental transitions

will find this opportunity especially attractive.

Official Application Link

Apply here: Official Job Application Portal 

Final Thoughts

This Assistant Professor position at Leiden University offers an excellent opportunity for researchers aiming to build an interdisciplinary academic career in:

• agroecology,
• biodiversity science,
• soil ecology,
• and sustainability research.

With strong emphasis on both:

• innovative research,
• and impactful teaching,

the role provides an outstanding platform for developing an independent research program within one of Europe’s leading environmental science institutes.