Maastricht University

Professor of Plant Functional Genomics

Maastricht University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering is founding, together with its partners, an innovative research institute in Future Farming at the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo. The Brightlands Future of Farming Institute covers areas from plant functional genomics and plant envirogenetics to sustainable plant farming systems. The Faculty is now looking to appoint a Professor of Plant Functional Genomics. The successful appointee will be an expert in the broader plant functional genomics domain and will become a founding professor in this area at the Institute. The founding professors will develop and conduct academic research and teaching and will contribute to determining the future course of the Institute, overseeing the recruitment of additional talented staff and guiding the development of new dedicated facilities on the campus.

The position of founding Professor of Plant Functional Genomics provides unique opportunities to develop new research programmes and collaborate with relevant stakeholders. Due to the unique location in the Brightlands ecosystem at the heart of one of the major European high-tech vegetable growing areas, there is an optimal connection with start-up and scale-up companies on the campus. Furthermore, there are excellent opportunities for collaboration with other Maastricht University academic institutes at our Brightlands campuses in Maastricht, Sittard/Geleen and Heerlen. As the Institute is currently being developed, the appointee is expected to contribute to the optimal design of the laboratory, greenhouse and climate room conditions. Experience and interest in academic teaching will be important as well, and candidates are expected to contribute to the development and execution of new courses and educational programmes in their area of expertise. The position is based at the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of plant functional genomics and an international reputation for excellence in innovative science. He/She will flourish in a rapidly developing environment and within the strongly international and diverse community of Maastricht University. The Institute welcomes candidates who foster collaborations at all levels: from working on small-scale projects with colleagues, to participating in large-scale international research consortia. Although the Faculty is looking for an experienced candidate who will be considered for appointment at a full professor level, candidates with a strong track record at the level of associate professor, are also encouraged to apply.

Candidates will meet the following requirements:

• PhD in a relevant field;
• a strong track record in research and teaching at an internationally competitive level;
• proven success in funding acquisition at the national and/or European level;
• outstanding communication skills and proven management and leadership skills focused on inspiring co-workers to achieve excellence;
• a keen eye for identifying, developing, and motivating talent; extensive experience with supervising PhD students;
• enthusiasm to substantially contribute to the development of the new Institute;
• fluency in English.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is home to several outstanding departments in education and research. Students and scientists contribute to education programmes at the bachelor's, master's and PhD levels and take part in innovative research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Faculty houses over 2,600 students and 370 employees, spread over locations in Maastricht and the Brightlands campuses.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is the youngest and most international university in the Netherlands and, with 20,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. It is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based education model, characterised by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is multidisciplinary and thematic, inspired by issues such as sustainability, European integration, healthy ageing and the influence of technological developments on society. Researchers work in multidisciplinary teams, in close collaboration with national and international institutions, companies and industry. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, almost half of its students and one third of its academic staff is international, representing over 100 different nationalities.

Appointment Process

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Selection Committee. Perrett Laver may be contacted for informal enquiries and questions by emailing Cara.Hirst@perrettlaver.com. Applications can be uploaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference 5345. The closing date for applications is 12pm noon CET on Tuesday 5^th October 2021.

Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in mid-October and selected candidates will be invited for formal interviews afterwards.

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