Universiteit Leiden is hiring an Assistant Professor to build a research and educational leadership role in the field of Astronomy & Society. This unique position is shared equally between Leiden Observatory (STRW) and the department of Science Communication and Society (SCS), moving fluidly between academic research and tangible social impact.
What You'll Do
- Develop your own research trajectory on astronomy and society, focusing on topics like the broader impact of astronomy research, the institutionalization of public engagement, or hype in astronomy journalism.
- Set up research lines aligning with the strategic goals of both the science communication field and the broad astronomy community.
- Publish in relevant scientific journals and contribute to international conferences.
- Supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
- Teach and develop courses in the Science Communication & Society master specialisation and in the astronomy bachelor and master program, with an average teaching load of two courses per year.
- Contribute to the growth, visibility, and development of STRW and SCS through activities like outreach and acquiring external funding.
- Advise on effective communication of astronomical research to society.
- Act as a bridge between researchers, communication staff, and external partners.
- Strategically manage STRW public engagement activities.
What We're Looking For
- A PhD in a topic related to astronomy and/or science communication.
- A track record in the field of astronomy & society, evidenced by publications, projects, and demonstrable impact.
- Experience in developing and providing academic education and supervising students.
- Ability to develop a vision on public engagement and translate it into concrete programs and collaborations.
- Excellent social skills and a pro-active attitude.
- Excitement about working in a growing interdisciplinary field, collaborating with many different stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.
- Fluency in Dutch or motivation to learn Dutch to a B1 level within 5 years.
Team & Environment
This is a shared position between Leiden Observatory (STRW) and the department Science Communication and Society (SCS) at the Institute of Biology (IBL).
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: €4,728 - €7,297 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (Scale 11-12, assistant professor).
- An initial 12-month fixed-term appointment as Assistant Professor with a prospect of a permanent contract and a long-term academic career trajectory.
- Holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel.
- Flexible working hours: minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; option to save for extra leave.
- Numerous options for secondary employment conditions, such as sabbatical or paid parental leave.
- Individual choices model to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like a sports subscription or bicycle scheme.
- Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a temporary tax break.
Work Mode
This role is onsite in Leiden.
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We aim to be a community where all students and staff feel valued, respected, and able to develop their full potential, as diversity enriches our teaching and strengthens our research.
