Job for Researchers: Full Professor and Chair Human and Animal Physiology

Full Professor and Chair of Human and Animal Physiology

Institution: Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Location: Netherlands
Employment type: Full-time (32–38 hours per week negotiable)
Salary range: €7,202 – €10,441 per month (gross, for starting chair holders)
Application deadline: August 23, 2026

About the role

The Chair Group of Human and Animal Physiology (HAP), part of the Animal Science Group at Wageningen University & Research, is seeking a Full Professor and Chair due to the retirement of the current chair holder. This position offers the opportunity to shape and expand your own research portfolio in synergy with the group’s scientific focus, while further consolidating or developing your academic leadership profile.

Your responsibilities

• Set the research strategy for the HAP chair group
• Manage academic and operational aspects of the group, including guiding a diverse team of scientists, lecturers, and support staff
• Deliver and innovate high-quality education at BSc, MSc, and PhD levels, contributing to WUR’s strong reputation in teaching
• Foster collaboration within the Animal Sciences Department and with external partners

Your team

The HAP chair group comprises 43 members: 11 scientific staff, 25 PhD candidates, and six research assistants. Each year, approximately 50 students complete their Master’s thesis within the group. HAP is part of the graduate schools VLAG (Biobased, Biomolecular, Food and Nutrition Sciences) and WIAS (Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences), and is one of 12 chair groups in the Department of Animal Sciences.

The group collaborates extensively with other WUR chair groups, including Experimental Zoology, Cell Biology and Immunology, Host Microbe Interactomics, Nutrition and Food Technology groups, and Systems and Synthetic Biology. External strategic collaborations include Radboud UMC (Mitochondrial Physiology) and the University of Exeter (Public Health and Sport Sciences).

Requirements

• Strong focus on professional development, team building, and creating synergy within the group
• Proven academic leadership experience or potential to develop it
• Ability to manage a diverse, international team
• Commitment to excellence in research and education in human and animal physiology

What we offer

• A competitive starting salary up to €10,441 per month (gross)
• End-of-year bonus (13th month), holiday allowance, and a pension plan with the Dutch pension fund for government and education
• For international candidates: possible tax relief (30% ruling) exempting part of salary from tax for several years
• Working hours negotiable (32–38 hours/week) to support work-life balance
• Support for international relocation, including visa application assistance for you and your family, a dual-career programme for partners, and help with finding housing and schools
• An inspiring international working environment at a globally leading university in the life sciences

How to apply

Please submit your application addressed to Emma van Dijk via the WUR online application system. Your application must include the following documents (as PDF files):

• An application letter with curriculum vitae
• A separate list of publications
• Your vision on research and education in the domain of the chair (max. 2 pages)
• A statement on your leadership style and experience (max. 2 pages)

Application deadline: August 23, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for a first-round interview in September, followed by a second-round interview (including a public lecture) later that same month. An assessment may be part of the selection procedure.

Contact information

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. dr. Walter Gerrits, chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC). For procedural questions, contact Emma van Dijk, Secretary of the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC).

About Wageningen University & Research

WUR is a globally leading university in the life sciences, dedicated to exploring the potential of nature to improve quality of life. With roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte), 13,100 students, and over 150,000 participants in lifelong learning, WUR is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated, interdisciplinary way of tackling important questions in healthy food and living environment. WUR highly values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated. No employment agencies, please.

Original vacancy