Junior Professor (Tenure Track) in Forest Ecology an...

Junior Professor (Tenure Track) in Forest Ecology and Multifunctional Forest Management

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven (Campus Arenberg).

Overview

KU Leuven seeks an internationally oriented candidate with an excellent research record and educational competence in forest ecology and management.

Responsibilities

• Establish an international research program on quantitative solutions for forest monitoring, conservation, and multifunctional management, with a focus on temperate forests.
• Obtain competitive funding, supervise PhD students, and publish in internationally recognized journals.
• Provide high‑quality education to Bachelor’s and Master’s students, including courses ‘Forestry’, ‘Forest management’, and field courses.
• Contribute to pedagogical projects, supervise theses, and promote PhD students.
• Engage in service activities such as departmental council participation and shaping forest‑related policy at Flemish and European levels.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioscience Engineering, Forestry, Ecology or a related field.
• At least 3 years of post‑doctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated excellence and productivity in forest ecology/management research, with thorough field knowledge of temperate forests.
• Strong research profile with publications in prominent international journals and international research experience.
• A demonstrable network and policy‑supporting activities are appreciated.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to foster collaboration, and leadership capacity within a university context.
• Experience and commitment to academic teaching.
• Proficiency in English (required) and ability to learn Dutch to the required standard.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Offer

• Full‑time employment, tenure track: 5‑year probation with potential permanent appointment.
• Research position equivalent to a doctoral scholarship for four years; starting grant of €110,000.
• Support for foreign professors and families, including immigration, housing, childcare, Dutch language training, and partner career coaching.
• Work in Leuven, a historic dynamic city within 20 minutes of Brussels.

Equal Opportunity

KU Leuven embraces diversity and promotes an inclusive environment. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, nationality, skin colour, religion, philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, disability, health or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Patrick Degryse, Department Chair, Email: , Tel: .