• investigate mechanisms and molecules involved in how spatial structure underpins microbial interactions, adaptation, and functional dynamics in complex environments;
• apply spatial imaging methods, including, but not limited to, multiplexed FISH, metabolic labelling, barcoded probes, or bio-orthogonal chemistry, to study microbial organization and function in situ, in complex microbial communities;
• collaborate with existing microbiome researchers bridge imaging data with molecular, metabolic, and physiological readouts;
• publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences;
• (co-)supervise PhD, MSc and BSc student projects;
• participate in BSc and MSc teaching and curriculum development;
• actively seek external funding to support your research;
• participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across SILS and beyond.

You promote team science and create a safe working environment for a diverse community of researchers. Communication skills are important, as well as a keen eye for innovations, new developments and valorisation opportunities. You are a leader that connects and collaborates within the Institute, the Faculty and the (inter-) national research community.

Your experience and profile

You have/are

• a PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biophysics, or related fields;
• expertise in advanced molecular labeling and spatial profiling of microbial cells in situ, including methods such as multiplexed FISH, metabolic labeling, spatial transcriptomics, or combinatorial barcoding, and their application to complex biological environments;
• experience or interest in (gut) microbial ecology, and microbial physiology;

• a collaborative mindset and eagerness to bridge disciplines (e.g., with physicists, chemists, ecologists);

• willingness to contribute to valorization and outreach activities of the research group;
• experience with acquisition of funding;
• University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or the willingness to enrol in a program to achieve that within 2 years;
• fluent in spoken and written English. If you are not a native or fluent Dutch speaker, you are expected to acquire sufficient proficiency in Dutch within three years of the start of your employment.

We will base our selection on your scientific track record, and on your vision for future research and teaching, teaching. We invite inspiring researchers, who can push forward their original views and project ideas in the context of a highly competitive academic research environment to respond.

We offer a temporary contract for 38 (1.0 FTE) hours a week, preferably starting on 1 March 2026, for the duration of 18 months. A permanent contract follows after positive assessment of your performance. The job profile Assistant Professor 2 is applicable.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 4.728 – 6.433 gross per month. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime employment);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.