Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration

Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration

Utrecht University - Faculty of Science

Utrecht, Netherlands

Your job

The Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration group of Utrecht University is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to help protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial to the survival of our natural systems but is declining at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, the need for effective nature conservation and restoration is becoming increasingly urgent. Fundamental ecological knowledge is essential to understand why ecosystems degrade, how wildlife responds to environmental change, and which interventions truly support recovery. Our research explores how nature conservation and restoration can be combined with societal functions such as recreation, and how biodiversity can be strengthened in intensely used landscapes.

As an Assistant Professor, you will join a young, enthusiastic team that is eager to make an impact. You will help strengthen the team’s mission to connect fundamental wildlife ecology with the challenges of nature restoration in human-dominated multifunctional forest landscapes, especially in north-western Europe.

Your research will focus on restoration-relevant themes, such as wildlife responses to anthropogenic change, the effectiveness of conservation interventions, and the contribution of wildlife to biodiversity recovery and nature restoration. Close collaboration with colleagues within and beyond Utrecht University is an important part of this role, as well as building sustainable partnerships with conservation practitioners and policymakers.

You will combine fieldwork, experiments and biomonitoring (e.g. using sensor technologies) with laboratory, statistical and theoretical approaches. There is ample opportunity to initiate research projects and to acquire funding.

In education, you will teach in the Biology programmes, develop and coordinate a new course, and supervise research projects of BSc, MSc and PhD students.

Your qualities

Our ideal candidate is an established ecologist with experience in wildlife ecology and nature restoration, preferably in ecological networks and rewilding. Your work is grounded in a deep commitment to nature restoration, and a strong desire to make a lasting impact. Collaborative research and education are integral parts to your academic practice. You see the value of a collegial and supportive way of working and are a true team player, actively contributing to an environment in which people and ideas can thrive and successes are celebrated. The enthusiasm and passion you have for ecology and nature conservation and restoration inspires students and colleagues.

In addition, you bring several or all the following:

• A PhD degree in ecology, complemented with postdoctoral research and practical experience;
• Experience with sensors such as camera traps and GPS tags, and preferably with the live capture of animals;
• Familiarity with the flora, fauna, ecosystems and landscapes of north-western Europe;
• Advanced skills in statistics and R programming;
• Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in interdisciplinary and collaborative settings;
• Fluency in English. Dutch language skills are considered an asset.

We know that excellent researchers take diverse career paths, and that not all strengths can be captured in a list. If you are excited about this role, bring relevant experience, and have a clear vision for your research, teaching and leadership, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every single qualification.