Full Professor and Chair of Geo-Information Science (GIS)

The Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing at Wageningen University seeks a talented and enthusiastic candidate to lead the Geo-Information Science Chair group (0.8-1.0 fte).

Our group leads research and education endeavours aimed at leveraging Geo-Information Science theory and methodology to advance our understanding of the Agri-Food, Health, and Environmental domain. We believe that spatial is special and prioritize the exploration of spatial relationships, patterns, and processing in socio-ecological systems. We develop and use cutting-edge spatial tools and methodology to improve our spatial thinking capabilities and excel in spatial analysis, modelling, and statistical methodologies. We also actively engage with stakeholders, integrating elements of gaming with real-world geographical data and scenarios to address serious issues, educate users, and facilitate decision making. Lastly, we advance visualization methodologies to effectively comprehend, analyse and communicate complex spatial data and phenomena.

We seek a scholar with in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals and advancements in Geo-Information Science with extensive experience working on socio-ecological applications.

As the leader of the GIS Chair Group, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing our dynamic research and education programs while efficiently overseeing internal operations. Your focus will be on fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere conducive to the growth of both emerging and established academics. Key facets of your role, next to contribute to excellent research is include bolstering our research funding efforts and attracting talented PhD candidates, and managing the group. Additionally, you will elevate the visibility of our chair group within national and international circles, maximizing our impact both within and outside the academic world.

The GIS chair group collaborates closely with the Remote Sensing chair group to form the laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing (www.wur.eu/grs). Our shared mission is to enhance spatiotemporal science supporting a sustainable global future. This collaborative effort is jointly led by two chair holders specializing in (1) Geo-Information Science (this vacancy) and (2) Remote Sensing. Leveraging the synergies between these two disciplines, we function as one cohesive unit, operating seamlessly as one unified group.

The laboratory is part of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Wageningen University, which is ranked 2nd in the world for Environmental Sciences. The department provides research and academic education on our living environment: nature, landscape, land use, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, water management, and the various competing claims on space.

Requirements

As a successful candidate, you:

• Have a PhD degree with a proven international scientific track record in the field of Geo-Information Science, or a closely related field;
• Have a clear vision for future education and research in Geo-Information Science;
• Are an inspirational and visionary leader and eager to foster the professional development of people together with the other chair holder of the Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing;
• Are an inspiring teacher and supervisor for students of diverse backgrounds, with proven ability to develop and teach courses at BSc, MSc and PhD level, and an interest and capacity to innovate teaching methods;
• Have a strong international research network and are able to interact with professionals and societal partners in the development of research and education;
• Possess a proven capacity of acquiring, leading and managing externally funded research projects.

Conditions of employment

You will be working for an inspiring international organisation with many interdisciplinary projects all over the world. The scientific quality of Wageningen University is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in international rankings and citation indexes. In agriculture we rank as the #1 university for quite some years and we also rank among the absolute top in ecology and environmental sciences.

We offer you a challenging position as full professor and chair. Besides a competitive salary (maximum gross salary for starting chair holders is € 9,680 per month), we offer several additional benefits, such as an end-of-year extra month’s salary, a holiday allowance, and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education. International candidates moving to the Netherlands may benefit from a special tax relief, by which a part of their salary is exempt from tax for several years.

Working hours can be discussed to optimize the work-life balance (32-38 hours per week).

Coming from abroad
We are the leading university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

The university’s highly qualified team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. For partners we have a dual career program to help them find work in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we can assist you in finding schools for your children and assist you with finding housing in the region or elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Employer

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Additional information

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Eveline van Leeuwen (Chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee, Eveline.vanLeeuwen@wur.nl, +31-317483897) or Dr. Gilian Van Duijvendijk (Executive secretary of the Appointment Advisory Committee, Gilian.vanDuijvendijk@wur.nl, +31-317484213).

Application
You are invited to address your application to gilian.vanduijvendijk@wur.nl and upload it via our website. The application should include (in pdf format):

• An application letter with curriculum vitae
• A separate list of publications
• Your vision on research and education in the domain of the chair (Max 2 pages).
• A statement on your leadership style and experience (Max 2 pages).

The closing date for applications is 15 January 2025. Selected candidates for this position will be invited for an interview to be held on 4 or 5 February 2025. The committee will thereafter invite short-listed candidates for a second interview and a trial lecture on 4 March 2025. A leadership assessment may be part of the selection procedure.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.