Tenure-track Research Position - Westerdijk Institute - Utrecht

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is seeking innovative and curious scientists for a tenure-track research position in yeast taxonomy, ecology, or related fields. Join us in our mission to advance mycological research and tackle pressing societal challenges!

The institute

Located at Utrecht Science Park, the Westerdijk Institute is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Home to over 100,000 living fungal strains, we are at the forefront of mycology, studying biodiversity, advancing taxonomy, and developing techniques to explore the biology, ecology, and genetics of fungi. Our diverse team of 50 employees and a similar number of international guest researchers collaborates to address critical issues in health, agriculture, and industry.

Research environment

At the Westerdijk Institute, we conduct fundamental and applied research in evolutionary biology, taxonomy, and biodiversity. The institute has a long history of yeast research, having been part of, and later leading, the taxonomic reference “The Yeasts”. Our world-renowned biobank of filamentous fungi and yeasts (preserving many type cultures) is essential for generating reference genomes and MALDI-TOF spectra, which contribute to advances in agriculture, medical research, and biotechnology. We are committed to integrating AI to enhance insights into fungal species boundaries, food safety, and sustainable practices.

What we offer

• A tenure-track research position in an outstanding scientific environment
• A competitive salary with flexible working arrangements
• Funding for a PhD position
• A transparent tenure evaluation process and active career development programs
• A possibility to become a Professor at the University of Amsterdam in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics
• A commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and safety in the workplace

What you bring

We invite applications from scientists ready to develop independent research, secure peer-reviewed funding, and build a research team during their tenure track. Candidates specializing in yeast taxonomy or yeast ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. You will contribute to our mission of excellence and uphold high standards of quality and integrity. Strong leadership skills in mentoring and inspiring a team are essential. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Join us!

If you are passionate about yeasts and eager to make a difference, we want to hear from you! For more information and to apply, visit our website at www.wi.knaw.nl .

Shape the future of mycology with us!

Your application

Please upload your application (motivation letter, CV, and research statement, including research achievements and a proposed five-year research plan). Provide three letters of recommendation addressed to the director of the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Prof. Wieland Meyer: references@wi.knaw.nl. The selection process will include an online interview in the first half of October 2026 (details will be communicated to shortlisted applicants at the end of September), followed by a recruitment symposium in the second week of November 2026.

About the Westerdijk Institute

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences located at Utrecht Science Park. Our researchers study biodiversity across the entire spectrum of the fungal kingdom. They develop and use a wide range of techniques to map the biology, ecology, and genetic information of fungi.

With a unique collection of more than 100,000 living fungal strains, yeasts and bacteria, we are at the forefront of mycological research worldwide. We are a center of expertise for mycology and contribute to solving socially relevant issues in the areas of health, agriculture and industry.

Our relatively small, internationally diverse institute has 50 employees and a similar number of guest researchers.
Additional information is available on our website: www.wi.knaw.nl.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 4.728 and the maximum salary is €6.433 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 11 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment). 

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.