NIOZ is the Dutch national oceanographic institute and has been conducting seagoing research for over 145 years. NIOZ performs independent, fundamental and frontier-applied (inter and trans)disciplinary research, addressing important scientific as well as societal issues towards a better understanding of the functioning of oceans and seas. In addition, NIOZ maintains seagoing equipment and vessels for the Dutch scientific community, acting as the country’s national marine research facilitator. NIOZ operates from two strategic locations in the Netherlands, on Texel and in Yerseke, and employs a permanent staff of 50 junior and senior marine scientists, on a total of approximately 180 permanent and 120 temporary employees.
NIOZ seeks to appoint a new Head of Department for their Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry. The Department is recognized globally for its research in on microbial communities in all types of marine environments, from estuaries to the deep ocean, and from the present to the past. The expertise of the Department of MMB is broadly divided into the three following domains: biogeochemistry, microbiology, molecular ecology & evolution. The Department houses a core group of 16 researchers and 15 research assistants, which are part of a larger group of approximately 90 staff members.
Job Description
The Head of Department is responsible for the general management of the MMB Department and bears final responsibility for research quality and scientific production, which includes fundamental and frontier-applied multi- and transdisciplinary research projects. S/he lays the groundwork for the Department’s outreach and communication and ensures a good representation of the Department and NIOZ.
As an active member of the Institute’s management team, the Head of Department contributes actively to the development and implementation of NIOZ’s overall strategy. Within the Department, s/he, therefore, takes an active lead in optimally aligning activities to NIOZ-wide developments and collaborations.
The Head of Department’s spends approximately 40% of their time on general management and scientific supervision, 40% on scientific research and other related activities, and 20% on representative tasks.
Qualifications
The new Head of Department:
- is a widely acknowledged and highly respected scientist with demonstrated research excellence in a field relevant to the MMB Department;
- has management experience and success, possesses an inclusive, open, strong and dynamic academic leadership style and good interpersonal skills;
- generates involvement and develops collaborations within the institute as well as on a national and international level, sees possibilities for creating synergies;
- will formulate a clear vision on future developments in marine sciences on a national and international level;
- is an excellent and proven mentor for young and mid-career scientists;
- will promote the Institute nationally and internationally;
- good oral and written communication skills in English and a willingness to learn Dutch within two years.
The new Head of Department has an enthusiastic leadership style focused on connecting individuals and collegiality. S/he is forward-thinking, goal setting and strong communicator.
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 +31 20 2409 378 or Norbert.Lieftink@perrettlaver.com.
Applications can be uploaded at this site, quoting reference 4615. The closing date for applications is 9 am CET on Monday 6th September 2021. Applications should consist of a cover letter addressing suitability for the offered position and a full curriculum vitae.
Applications will be considered by the Appointment Advisory Committee in September, and selected candidates will be invited for formal interviews in October. An assessment is part of the application process.
Given the current composition of the Management Team, applications from female candidates are actively encouraged.
More information about the application here.
