Associate Professor in Computational Environmental Science (0.8-1.0 FTE)

Teaser Text

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for a position in Computational Environmental Science at Associate Professor (UHD) level.

Both LIACS and CML face converging scientific and societal challenges driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, and the transition to sustainable socio-ecological systems. At the same time, rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and computational modeling are transforming how complex environmental systems are studied, monitored, and governed. This initiative aligns strongly with European and Dutch research priorities around climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, digital twins of the Earth, trustworthy AI, and data-driven sustainability.

We welcome candidates whose research addresses questions that are central to both frontier AI research (such as explainability, causality, and uncertainty quantification) and cutting-edge environmental science (such as climate impacts, sustainability transitions, and ecosystem modelling). Areas of particular interest include AI-supported data-driven analysis, monitoring and predictions for tracing supply chains, land-use change and sustainable resource management, as well as decision-support systems for sustainability policy and planning. Ideally, candidates will bridge computational methods with environmental applications and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations between computer science, environmental science, and sustainability practitioners. A proven track record of engagement with policy makers, industry partners, and/or environmental organizations will be considered a strong advantage.

The successful candidate will contribute to educational programs at bachelor and master level, and supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students at the intersection of computational methods and environmental science.

In addition, the candidate is expected to secure external research funding to build and lead a research group offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values interdisciplinary research and real-world impact on environmental sustainability.

What you will do

• Conduct independent research in computational environmental science, with emphasis on AI and data science applications that advance computational methodology and environmental understanding;
• Teach at Bachelor/Master level one course annually at LIACS and one course at CML, related to the candidate’s research expertise;

• Contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities across both institutes;

• Supervise BSc and MSc thesis students from computer science, AI, and environmental sciences programs;
• (Co-)supervise PhD students in computational environmental science topics;
• Secure external funding for research projects, including EU framework programs (e.g., Horizon Europe) and the Dutch national research council NWO;
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within LIACS, CML, Leiden University, and the broader international research community;
• Contribute to the development and promotion of computational environmental science research and education, building bridges between the two institutes.

Where you will work

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. We are located in the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academy and industry come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. Research at LIACS spans core areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary applications. LIACS maintains a highly international and supportive research environment. Research groups work on fundamental questions in machine learning, optimization, computer vision, natural computing, and data science, while actively engaging with real-world challenges through collaborations with industry, government, and civil society.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is one of the oldest and most prestigious environmental research institutes in Europe. Founded in 1978, CML has pioneered methods in life cycle assessment, industrial ecology, and conservation biology. Research addresses environmental problems across scales, from molecular processes to global systems, and across sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and urban planning. Focus areas include sustainability assessment, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and climate adaptation. Research at CML is characterized by strong connections with industry, government, and civil society, ensuring contributions to real-world sustainability transitions through evidence-based solutions and policy support.

This joint position offers a unique opportunity to combine methodological innovation in AI and data science with applications in environmental science and sustainability, working at the interface of two leading institutions.  The position provides access to advanced computational facilities at LIACS, including high-performance computing resources, and to extensive environmental datasets, laboratory facilities, and industry partnerships at CML.

What you bring

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Environmental Science with a strong computational component;

• An academic, creative, and open mindset, with demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries;
• Demonstrated research independence and as part of interdisciplinary teams in a supervisory role;
• Research agenda centered on questions that are fundamental to both frontier AI research (e.g., causal inference, explainability, uncertainty quantification, optimization) and environmental science (e.g., climate impacts, sustainability assessment, ecosystem modeling, environmental monitoring);
• Experience supervising PhD students;
• Experience in obtaining external research funding, including international grants (e.g., EU Horizon Europe, MSCA Networks, ERC) and evidence of strategic thinking about securing interdisciplinary funding in the future;
• Teaching experience, including course development and supervision of student projects;
• International recognition in the field (e.g. through collaborations, invited talks, and other forms of peer recognition);
• Excellent proficiency in English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn it is an advantage.

What we offer

We offer a position as Associate Professor (UHD), divided equally between LIACS and CML, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities. Upon appointment, agreements will be made regarding your career development in line with the policy for career development for scientific staff.

We also offer:

• A salary between € 6.512,= to € 7.904,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale 13);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

What we value

LIACS and CML foster inclusive and dynamic research environments with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of both Leiden University, which is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

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