Due to the retirement of the current chair holder, a vacancy has arisen for a Full Professor in the chair group of Human and Animal Physiology (HAP), part of the Animal Science Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR).
The Human and Animal Physiology (HAP) chair group conducts cutting-edge physiological and molecular physiological research in humans and animals, with the ultimate goal of improving health and quality of life. The scientific focus of the group is to advance fundamental and mechanistic understanding of energy and substrate metabolism, as well as mitochondrial function, in both health and disease. We generate our results through synergistic experimental research conducted in humans, (model) animals (including invertebrates), organs, tissues, and cells. Our research integrates state-of-the-art physiological, functional, computational, biomolecular, and bioanalytical tools. Our teaching covers both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, offering courses in mammalian physiology, biomolecular physiology, morpho-functional physiology, and experimental research across a broad range of academic disciplines. We aim to educate highly skilled academic professionals ready to tackle societal health challenges.
The position of chair of the Human and Animal Physiology group offers you the opportunity to shape and expand your own research portfolio in synergy with the group’s scientific focus, while also further consolidating or developing your academic leadership profile. In this role, you have the responsibility for the academic and operational management of the group. Your responsibilities will include setting the research strategy, guiding and managing a diverse team of scientists, lecturers, and support staff. In addition, you will contribute to high-quality education at the BSc, MSc, and PhD levels and help drive innovation in teaching, supporting WUR’s strong reputation in higher education.
As a successful candidate, you will bring the following qualities and experience:
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you hold a PhD degree and have an internationally recognized scientific track record in the field of molecular human and animal physiology;
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you are familiar with biomolecular methodology and have affinity with a fundamental mechanistic scientific approach using (model) animals and/or humans;
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you have a clear long-term plan for research, teaching, and group development that aligns with or complements the existing strengths of the Human and Animal Physiology group;
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you have experience in building and maintaining a broad (inter)national network across various sectors, including academic institutions, societal organizations, policy makers, and industry partners;
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You have a successful track record in securing research funding from a variety of sources;
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you are an experienced and inspiring teacher who enjoys engaging students in learning;
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you have supervised students from diverse backgrounds and contributed to curriculum innovation and the development of courses at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels including the use of innovative teaching methods;
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you have proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Your leadership style is empathic and inclusive; you actively listen, value the perspectives of others, and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard and appreciated.
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You focus on professional development, team building, and creating synergy within the group.
Your team
The chair group HAP consists of 43 members, of which 11 scientific staff members, 25 PhD candidates and six research assistants. Each year around 50 students complete a Master thesis within the group. More information on the group can be found here.
HAP is part of the graduate schools VLAG (Biobased, Biomolecular, Food and Nutrition Sciences) and WIAS (Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences). HAP is one of the 12 chair groups within the department of Animal Sciences of WUR, which is, in turn, part of the Animal Sciences Group (ASG).
HAP collaborates and teaches with many chair groups across Wageningen University with complementary expertise, including (but not limited to) Experimental Zoology (EZO), Cell Biology and Immunology (CBI), Host Microbe Interactomics (HMI), and with the Nutrition and Food technology groups and Systems and Synthetic Biology (SSB). We collaborate with molecular physiology groups and clinical collaborators in the Netherlands and across Europe, and have strategic collaborations with Radboud UMC (Mitochondrial Physiology) and the University of Exeter (Public Health and Sport Sciences).
You will be working for an inspiring international organization actively engaged in a large number of interdisciplinary projects all over the world. The scientific quality of Wageningen University & Research is affirmed by the prominent position we occupy in international rankings and citation indices.
We offer you a position as Full Professor and Chair of the Human and Animal Physiology chair group. Besides a competitive salary (maximum gross salary for starting chair holders is € 10,441.- per month), we offer a number of 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).
We are a globally leading university in the life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world. Therefore, Wageningen 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. Furthermore, WUR offers a dual career programme for partners to assist your partner in finding a job or starting a business in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we assist you in finding schools for your children and advise you on finding housing in the region or elsewhere in the Netherlands. The Wageningen University & Research (WUR) International Community Page contains practical information about what we do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen.
Further information about the position can be acquired from Prof. dr. Walter Gerrits, chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC) via email: [email protected].
For more information about the procedure, contact Emma van Dijk, Secretary of the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC), via email: [email protected].
Application
You are invited to address your application to Emma van Dijk and upload it via our website. The application should include (as pdf documents):
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An application letter with curriculum vitae.
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A separate list of publications.
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Your vision on research and education in the domain of the chair (Max 2 pages).
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A statement on your leadership style and experience (Max 2 pages).
The closing date for applications is August 23, 2026. Selected candidates for this position will be invited for a first-round interview in September, followed by a second-round interview, including a public lecture, later that same month.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the 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.
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.
