Key Skills

Job Description

This five-year special Chair offers the opportunity to connect scientific insight with global conservation efforts. As part of Utrecht University’s Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration group, you will drive research on ecological connectivity and collaborate with WWF Netherlands to create impactful, science-based solutions for global biodiversity challenges. Your job The Chair builds on the legacy of the Prince Bernhard Chair for International Nature Conservation (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/wildlife-ecology/prins-bernhard-chair) and carries forward the commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and the integration of science and practice. Following in the footsteps of internationally recognised scholars such as Norman Myers, Jeffrey A. Sayer, Francis E. Putz, Bill Laurance, Jaboury Ghazoul, and Julia P.G. Jones, you will contribute to advancing the next generation of conservation science. The Chair in Conservation Science supports science-based conservation by developing multidisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between science and practice, thereby not only promoting nature conservation efforts but also integrating them to address societal challenges. A key theme of the Chair is connectivity: both in landscapes and in the way conservation science is conducted and applied. Habitat fragmentation is a major driver of biodiversity loss worldwide. Ecological connectivity is therefore essential for maintaining viable populations, ecosystem functioning, and resilience to environmental change. Understanding how habitat fragmentation affects species, ecological processes, and ecosystem services, and how they respond to restoration and landscape-scale conservation initiatives, is central to addressing today’s conservation challenges. Effective conservation also depends on connectivity beyond ecology. Progress depends on collective action and collaboration across disciplines, bringing ecological knowledge together with social, economic, and governance perspectives. It also requires connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, local communities, and conservation organizations to jointly develop solutions that are both scientifically resilient and socially relevant. You will advance research on ecological connectivity and landscape-scale conservation while fostering connections across research fields, sectors, countries, and communities. A particular focus will be translating scientific insights into practical applications that support conservation and restoration. By strengthening these multiple forms of connectivity, you will help to develop innovative conservation solutions that benefit both nature and society. What You Will Help Make Happen Generate scientifically robust knowledge that addresses major conservation challenges and informs innovative conservation practice. Strengthen the link between academic research and real-world conservation needs. Build international collaborations between Utrecht University, universities abroad, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as facilitate exchanges for students and researchers. Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects, publications, and funding proposals, and attract subsequent funding for additional junior researchers. Bring diverse perspectives and expertise to enrich research, teaching, and academic debate in conservation science. Bridge conservation science and practice through knowledge exchange, outreach, and the dissemination of research findings, while raising awareness of pressing conservation issues. Supervise PhD candidates and help train the next generation of conservation scientists. The Chair will be established as a special chair in the Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration research group (established March 2025) in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, and will maintain close links with WWF, in particular its office in the Netherlands. Your qualities We are looking for a mid- or later career scholar who combines scientific credibility with experience in government, NGOs, international organisations, or knowledge institutes. Your ability to bridge research and real-world conservation action is key. Candidates from both academic and non-academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided you demonstrate experience and expertise equivalent to (Associate) Professor level. You Should Meet The Following Criteria Hold a PhD degree in the field of ecology, conservation science, or environmental science. Demonstrate a track record in conservation science, with involvement in research that addresses major conservation challenges and informs conservation policy and practice. Demonstrated ability to translate scientific knowledge into tangible conservation outcomes. Have academic teaching experience, including supervising (under)graduate students and early-career researchers. Possess an international network and a proven ability to collaborate with universities, conservation organizations, governments, and/or local stakeholders. Show experience in attracting external funding. Be available to commit 20% of your time to this role, including regular visits to Utrecht University within the limits of the budget. Our offer A position as Professor by Special Appointment in Conservation Science for a period of five years at 0.2 FTE, based on a hosting agreement with Utrecht University. The position includes a stipend commensurate with the candidate’s experience and current employment situation, as well as a dedicated budget to support the activities of the chair. About Us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en), the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile/strategic-themes). Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow (https://youtu.be/yHkvpRYVPiA). Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community. The Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration group (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/wildlife-ecology) 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. Utrecht University endorses the principles of Recognition and Rewards (http://www.uu.nl/en/research/open-science/tracks/recognition-and-rewards). The Utrecht TRIPLE model is a tool for applying the basic principles of Recognition and Rewards in practice. This model recognises six dimensions of academic performance: Team spirit, Research, Impact, Professional performance, Leadership and Education. It helps to consider the various aspects of the academic work from a broad perspective and relate them to each other. More information Additional information or questions regarding the positioning of the Chair within Utrecht University, the application procedure or the Chair itself can be addressed to prof. Patrick Jansen (https://www.uu.nl/staff/PAJansen) via [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and Dr. Marijke van Kuijk (https://www.uu.nl/staff/MvanKuijk) via [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). A constitution report is available upon request. Apply now At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equity-diversity-inclusion). A valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position. This will be requested as part of the application process (at a later stage). Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose: your letter of motivation, including your vision for research and education related to the chair; your Curriculum vitae. The selection process will consist of an initial written application (deadline: 4 January 2027). Following the review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, provisionally scheduled for the second half of January 2027. The interview will include an assessment of the candidate’s background and experience, a discussion of research and education priorities, and a presentation of their vision for the Chair., Shortlisted candidates may also be invited for an in-person visit. Further details about the format and content of these visits will be confirmed at a later stage. If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them. Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOvdUgWlqrU) #FundamentalConnection

Core Responsibilities

Lead research on ecological connectivity and landscape-scale conservation, developing multidisciplinary approaches that connect conservation science with practical action. Build international collaborations, lead research projects and funding proposals, teach and supervise emerging researchers, and share findings with conservation practitioners, policymakers, and communities.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology, conservation science, or environmental science and demonstrate a strong record of conservation research that informs policy and practice. They should have experience translating research into conservation outcomes, teaching and supervising students, collaborating internationally, attracting external funding, and be able to commit 20% of their time to the role.

Benefits

• Stipend
• Dedicated Budget To Support Chair Activities