Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration at Utrecht University, the Netherlands

Restoring nature and reversing biodiversity loss are urgent societal challenges. Utrecht University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Nature Restoration. In this role, you contribute to help solve these challenges through research and education by linking fundamental wildlife ecology to biodiversity recovery and nature restoration.

Your job

The Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration group of Utrecht University is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to help protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial to the survival of our natural systems but is declining at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, the need for effective nature conservation and restoration is becoming increasingly urgent. Fundamental ecological knowledge is essential to understand why ecosystems degrade, how wildlife responds to environmental change, and which interventions truly support recovery. Our research explores how nature conservation and restoration can be combined with societal functions such as recreation, and how biodiversity can be strengthened in intensely used landscapes. 

As an Assistant Professor, you will join a young, enthusiastic team that is eager to make an impact. You will help strengthen the team’s mission to connect fundamental wildlife ecology with the challenges of nature restoration in human-dominated multifunctional forest landscapes, especially in north-western Europe. 

Your research will focus on restoration-relevant themes, such as wildlife responses to anthropogenic change, the effectiveness of conservation interventions, and the contribution of wildlife to biodiversity recovery and nature restoration. Close collaboration with colleagues within and beyond Utrecht University is an important part of this role, as well as building sustainable partnerships with conservation practitioners and policymakers. 

You will combine fieldwork, experiments and biomonitoring (e.g. using sensor technologies) with laboratory, statistical and theoretical approaches. There is ample opportunity to initiate research projects and to acquire funding. 

In education, you will teach in the Biology programmes, develop and coordinate a new course, and supervise research projects of BSc, MSc and PhD students.

Your qualities

Our ideal candidate is an established ecologist with experience in wildlife ecology and nature restoration, preferably in ecological networks and rewilding. Your work is grounded in a deep commitment to nature restoration, and a strong desire to make a lasting impact. Collaborative research and education are integral parts to your academic practice. You see the value of a collegial and supportive way of working and are a true team player, actively contributing to an environment in which people and ideas can thrive and successes are celebrated. The enthusiasm and passion you have for ecology and nature conservation and restoration inspires students and colleagues.

In addition, you bring several or all the following:

• A PhD degree in ecology, complemented with postdoctoral research and practical experience.
• Experience with sensors such as camera traps and GPS tags, and preferably with the live capture of animals.
• Familiarity with the flora, fauna, ecosystems and landscapes of north-western Europe.
• Advanced skills in statistics and R programming.
• Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in interdisciplinary and collaborative settings.
• Fluency in English. Dutch language skills are considered an asset. 

We know that excellent researchers take diverse career paths, and that not all strengths can be captured in a list. If you are excited about this role, bring relevant experience, and have a clear vision for your research, teaching and leadership, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every single qualification.

Our offer

• an employment contract for 18 months with the prospect of a permanent employment contract upon a positive evaluation;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between €4,728 and €6,433 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science external link means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Department of Biology consists of twelve research divisions, which are organised within two institutes: the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB) and the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB). The department of Biology coordinates the teaching of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology, as well as Master’s programmes and PhD courses that are offered through the Graduate School of Life Sciences. Each Institute promotes the maintenance of a high-quality and interactive research and teaching environment.

The Wildlife Ecology and Nature Restoration group (est. 2025) is a team of 15 researchers studying how wildlife, habitats, and people interact in human-dominated landscapes. We aim to link fundamental wildlife ecology and practical nature restoration. Our focus is on forests and forest landscapes, both in temperate and tropical regions. Much of our work involves sensor-based tools, such as camera traps and acoustic recorders. Our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative, often involving land managers, conservation groups, indigenous people, and policy stakeholders. We work as a team whenever possible to the benefit of all group members.