(ref. ZAP-2024-128)
Laatst aangepast: 11/03/25
The Science, Engineering and Technology Group and the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven, invite applications for a part-time (10 %) academic position at its Department of Biosystems Campus Geel. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with an independent research record to perform academic teaching and build a research program in the Department’s Division of Crop Biotechnics, in the domain of soil sciences and with a focus on water usage and management. This academic position is complementary to another part-time position of the Department of Biosystems focusing on plant nutrition and fertilizers at Campus Arenberg.
The Division of Crop Biotechnics conducts basic and applied research and engages in academic education related to the sustainable production of agricultural and horticultural crops while addressing grand challenges such as climate change, conservation of biodiversity, and food security. We use a variety of biotechnological methods at the molecular, cellular, tissue, plant, and agrosystems level. On the Geel Campus, research groups are active in the different domains of the agrifood production chain i.e. soil & environment, plant production, animal production and food processing.
Research
You are already affiliated with an outside research organization or (academic) institute and conduct independent scientific research in the field of soil sciences with a focus on agricultural water usage and management. A focus on soil science and water management is desired (related to, among others, climate change, soil water availability, etc.). You are expected to collaborate with the different research groups active in Biosciences at Campus Geel as well as with the research groups of the Department of Biosystems. You will supervise PhD students and postdocs in collaboration with other academic staff members.
Teaching
You will take part in the education of Biosciences of the Faculty of Engineering Technology at Campus Geel. You organize and teach courses in the field of Arable and Forage Crop Production (Master in Biosciences). You host and mentor internships and bachelor and master thesis students in your host institution in the framework of the educational program.
You develop your teaching plan in accordance with KU Leuven’s vision on active and research-based education and make use of the educational professionalization offered by the university.
Service
As a part-time member, you are the liaison person between the academic research at the Department of Biosystems Campus Geel and the practice in the field of soil sciences and soil fertility in an agronomic context, and strengthen the relationship between KU Leuven and your host institution. You carry out other impactful responsibilities and duties relevant to your field of expertise.
Profile
- You have a full- or part-time (minimum 80 %) appointment at another research organization or (academic) institution in the broader field of agriculture.
- You conduct or lead an independent research program at your host institution.
- You hold a PhD in soil or plant sciences or any other related field that provides the necessary credentials for your research program and teaching activities.
- You have an excellent research record as reflected by international peer-reviewed journal publications and/or project management.
- Relevant experience or a proven record of accomplishment in excellent teaching and/or training skills is a plus, to contribute to the quality of the educational and research program.
- You will develop complementary expertise that strengthens the vision and mission of the Division of Crop Biotechnics and build on the existing, strong links with the Flemish agricultural research environment. You will develop and formulate a teaching vision and research program including possible interactions with other staff members of the campuses (Geel and Arenberg) of KU Leuven.
- You have proven experience in soil sciences and water management.
- You possess organizational skills , a cooperative attitude and possess leadership capacities.
- A good command of English is required. The official language used at KU Leuven is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch (or do not speak it well) at the start of employment, KU Leuven will provide language training to enable you to take part in meetings. Before teaching courses in Dutch or English, you will be given the opportunity to learn Dutch, respectively English, to the required standard.
Offer
We are offering a part-time (10 %) employment in an intellectually motivating environment at KU Leuven, which is an international research-oriented top-ranked university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. Your appointment entails 10 % at the Faculty of Engineering Technology (Campus Geel) and your research program will be embedded in the Division of Crop Biotechnics (Campus Geel) within the Department of Biosystems. You will enjoy academic freedom to develop your own research program in line with the mission and vision of the Faculty of Engineering Technology (Campus Geel) and the Division of Crop Biotechnics and your host institution.
Depending on your record and qualifications, you will be appointed to one of the grades of the academic staff: assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor.
You will be part of a young and dynamic team with expertise in crop biotechnology for a sustainable agriculture and you will have access to administrative support teams and research core facilities at KU Leuven.
KU Leuven is well set to welcome foreign professors and their family and provides practical support with regard to immigration & administration, housing, childcare, learning Dutch, partner career coaching, …
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Jean-Marie Aerts, Department Chair of the Department of Biosystems, tel.: +32 16 32 14 34, mail: jean-marie.aerts@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Paul Leroux, Campus Chair of KU Leuven Geel Campus, tel.: +32 14 72 13 06, mail: paul.leroux@kuleuven.be. For problems with online applying, please contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.
Add to your application following documents in English (more information is available on the KU Leuven job site):
– your biosketch in which you indicate your added value as an academic for research, education and service to society of your past career
and of your future activities (maximum 2 pages);
– a file on your five most important publications or realisations;
– an extensive cv including a full publication list;
– your research plan with focus on the development of your research line and research team in relation with the colleague-researchers of
the entity of employment (maximum 4 pages);
– your vision on academic education and its organisation (maximum 2 pages);
– your contribution to society by outreach and public communication on science and technology, internal representation in boards and
councils and service activities directly in relation to your developed expertise (maximum 1 page);
– your vision on leadership (maximum 1 page).
KU Leuven places great importance on research integrity and ethical conduct and will therefore ask you to sign an integrity statement upon appointment.
You can apply for this job no later than March 25, 2025 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
