Apply now

The Hortus botanicus of Leiden University is looking for a

Scientific Director (Prefect)/Professor (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)
Vacancy number15348

Would you like to work in the oldest botanical garden in Western Europe? And are you characterized as a scientific leader with a forward-looking vision and affinity with a nationally and internationally renowned botanical garden? Then this is your chance.

What you will do
We are looking for a visionary, inspiring, and collaborative colleague who, as Scientific Director (formal job title Prefect), can make a meaningful contribution to the further development of the Hortus botanicus (Hortus). Together with the Business Director, you are ultimately responsible for the development and results of the Hortus and report as a collegial directorate to the board of the Faculty of Science (W&N). Within the directorate, your focus is on science, research acquisition, and collection. The collegial directorate, together with 6 team leaders, forms the MT.

The main responsibilities are:

• Being the public face of the Hortus;
• Strengthening the scientific and societal significance of the Hortus in collaboration with the Business Director and the MT;
• Jointly developing strategic policy and translating it into concrete plans, in consultation with the board of the Faculty of Science;
• Developing a scientific vision in collaboration with other institutes within the faculty, focusing on current research questions and international multidisciplinary collaboration;
• Maintaining and developing the living collection, in line with the scientific vision and public objectives;
• Expanding and strengthening research within the Hortus, through collaborations within and outside the Faculty of Science, as well as citizen science;
• Acquiring external funds for scientific research, renovations, and education;
• Contributing to education (lectures and student supervision) in related disciplines within the faculty;
• Maintaining the relationship with the Friends of the Leiden Hortus Foundation;
• Leading the Collection Management, Public Education, and Horticulture teams;
• Ensuring a pleasant working environment.

Where you will work
The Hortus botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in Western Europe, established in 1590. Carolus Clusius cultivated the first large tulip collections in Europe here, and Philipp Franz von Siebold introduced about 700 previously unknown plants from Japan and China. Today, researchers from around the world come here to study the renowned collection of the Hortus, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing and educational walk.

The Hortus botanicus aims to further strengthen scientific development, including through collaboration with other institutes within the faculty and citizen science projects. To achieve this ambition, we are looking for a successor to the current Scientific Director. This person, together with the Business Director, forms a collegial directorate. The current science team consists of 3 FTE. In addition to over 30 employees, the Hortus thrives on more than 100 volunteers and 40 flexible hires. The Hortus botanicus is part of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, which includes 8 strong institutes covering a wide range of scientific disciplines, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and where science communication/citizen science is an important area of study. The faculty has 6 research themes, of which the Biodiversity theme has a strong relationship with the Hortus. For more information about the Hortus, see our website https://www.hortusleiden.nl/de-hortus.

What you bring

• Academic working and thinking level, completed PhD, and recent experience as an associate professor or professor in a scientific field relevant to the Hortus;
• Extensive experience in managing an organization (or part of it) in a final responsible role;
• Enthusiastic and driven, naturally functioning in the tension between the Hortus as a scientific collection and research facility on one hand and the Hortus as a museum garden with 250,000 visitors per year and many events on the other;
• Ability to fulfill the collegial management role of the Hortus from your position;
• Natural, enthusiastic, and inspiring leadership style for a diverse group of employees, strengthening mutual cohesion. More of a leader than a manager;
• Ability to come to workable solutions in a complex field of forces;
• Visionary and expert with good social and communication skills;
• Ability to switch between strategic and policy issues and operational tasks;
• Moving purposefully, with pleasure and ease, in relevant networks and at different levels;
• Good command of the English language, both spoken and written;
• Preferably good command of the Dutch language or willing and able to acquire it within 2 years.

What we offer
We offer a versatile and varied position in a close-knit team of colleagues. Appointment is in accordance with the CAO Dutch Universities, initially for a period of one year. If suitability is demonstrated, the employment contract will be converted to a permanent one after one year. The salary, depending on education and work experience, is at least € 6,894 and at most € 10,038 gross per month for a full-time appointment.

In addition, Leiden University offers good additional employment conditions. There is an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance (8%), an attractive pension scheme, excellent training facilities, paid parental leave, sabbatical leave, and the possibility to choose customized employment conditions through a selection model. More information about working at Leiden University can be found at https://www.staff.universiteitleiden.nl.
Next to the role of Scientific Director of the Hortus Botanicus, we aim for an appointment as full professor in a permanent position within the Hortus Botanicus, so that you may continue to be active in research and education.

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University strives to be an inclusive community where all students and staff feel valued and respected and can fully develop. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our education and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research are inclusive.

Apply or learn more?
Do you recognize yourself in the above profile? Click on the application button.

Would you like more information about the content of this position first? Contact Prof. Jasper Knoester, Dean of the Faculty of Science, via phone number +31 71 527 4763. Applications can be submitted until January 13, 2025.

To get to know each other well, we follow several steps in the application procedure. More information can be found here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions. We consider mobility very important. Therefore, this vacancy is also posted internally. In case of equal suitability, the internal candidate has preference. A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, VOG) and a job-specific assessment are part of the selection procedure.

Applications should consist of a letter of motivation and a complete curriculum vitae including names of at least three individuals who could provide a reference.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. Should you still send us CVs, no rights can be derived from them. #LI-Hybrid

Apply now