Are you passionate about developing the next generation of statistical methods for an increasingly data-rich world? Do you thrive at the intersection of theory, methodology, and impactful applications? We invite applications for an Associate Professor in Statistics to join our vibrant and internationally recognized research environment at the Mathematical & Statistical Methods group of Wageningen University & Research (also known as Biometris).
Modern science, technology, and society generate data at unprecedented scale and complexity. From genomics and environmental systems to artificial intelligence and digital health, researchers are confronted with high-dimensional data that challenge traditional statistical approaches. To address these challenges, we seek an ambitious scholar with expertise in—or a strong affinity with—Bayesian Statistics, who is eager to contribute to our overarching research programme in high-dimensional statistics.
As Associate Professor, you will play a leading role in advancing innovative statistical methodology for complex, large-scale, and structured data stemming from the Life Sciences. We welcome candidates whose research combines methodological rigor with practical relevance, and who are interested in developing novel approaches for uncertainty quantification, large-scale prediction, model-based learning, causal inference, network learning, or related areas. Experience with Bayesian methods, whether theoretical, computational, or applied, will be considered a strong asset.
You will join a collaborative community of statisticians, data scientists, and domain experts who share a commitment to addressing fundamental scientific questions through cutting-edge quantitative methods. The successful candidate is expected to develop an internationally visible research programme, attract competitive research funding, and build interdisciplinary collaborations across Life Science application domains.
Beyond research, you will contribute to inspiring and innovative teaching in statistics and data science. You will mentor Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, and help to shape the next generation of quantitative scientists. We value educators who can communicate complex statistical concepts with clarity and enthusiasm, and who are committed to fostering an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong publication record, demonstrated scientific leadership, and the ability to connect methodological innovation with real-world challenges. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of statistical research within a dynamic academic environment. You will benefit from excellent research infrastructure, access to interdisciplinary collaborations, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, ambition, and scientific excellence. Moreover, within the Academic Career Framework, you will have the opportunity to grow into a full Personal Professor.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
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advancing innovative statistical methodology for complex, large-scale, and structured data stemming from the Life Sciences;
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develop an internationally visible research programme;
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attract competitive research funding;
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build interdisciplinary collaborations across Life Science application domains;
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coordinate and contribute to inspiring and innovative teaching in statistics and data science.
This position is part of the Academic Career Framework (ACF) at Wageningen University & Research. One of the 3 career paths is the Professor Career Path. The aim of this ACF is to achieve a new balance in recognising and valuing academics where both team collaboration and the unique talent of individual scientists are seen, by creating more differentiation in career paths, putting the emphasis on the quality of work and less on quantitative results, doing justice to the individual qualities and ambitions of academics as much as to team performance, promoting all aspects of open science and encouraging high-quality leadership in the academy.
You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair group Mathematical & Statistical Methods - Biometris, in particular the Statistics chair, which is led by prof.dr. Carel F.W. Peeters. Your educational development will be co-supervised by ir. Saskia Burgers.
In this challenging career trajectory:
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you acquire, lead and implement innovative and creative (inter-)national research projects in Statistics;
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you collaborate with colleagues and supervise PhD students, BSc and MSc theses and you develop and teach courses;
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you contribute to the further development of the Mathematical & Statistical Methods group.
We seek an accomplished statistician with a strong track record in methodological research and scientific leadership. The ideal candidate has expertise or a strong affinity with Bayesian statistics and a demonstrated interest in high-dimensional statistical methods. They combine theoretical rigor with an openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications. The successful applicant is expected to develop an internationally recognized research programme, attract external funding, publish in leading journals, and contribute enthusiastically to teaching and supervision. Strong communication skills, collegiality, and a commitment to mentoring students and early-career researchers are essential.
You also possess:
A relevant academic background concluded with a PhD in an area relevant to the position (Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Biostatistics, or closely related field).
An inspiring educator with the didactical qualities to provide, develop, and coordinate both undergraduate and graduate Statistic and Data Science education for students from varying backgrounds.
A strong research profile on the interface between Statistics and Data Science as proven through both foundational and application-oriented publications in reputable international journals as well as a commensurate (inter)national network.
A strong, future-oriented vision on the role of Statistics in research and education in relation to WUR and the (inter)national Data Science and Artificial Intelligence landscapes.
The ability and willingness to expand the reach of Statistics within WUR to all science groups and to further integrate educational and research efforts with the chairgroup Applied Mathematics.
This position requires exemplary leadership and communication skills as well as an excellent English language proficiency (a minimum of CEFR C2 level).
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
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excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will be offered a fixed-term, 18 months contract which, upon positive evaluation, can lead to a permanent employment contract. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 6,512.- and € 7,904.- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 13).
If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.
Wageningen University & Research is the 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.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
For more information about the position, please contact Carel F.W. Peeters, Professor and Chairholder of Statistics, via phonenumber: +31 6 1141 8985 or via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including wednesday September 30, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for the second week of October 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 11, 2026.
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.
