Tenure-track Faculty Position in Observational Exoplanet Science

Uva; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

PhD student funding

Leadership training

Dutch language courses

ABP pension contribution

Holiday allowance

Job summary

The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for an assistant professor in exoplanet science. We seek an observational astronomer who can strengthen API’s research with existing and future facilities, including ESO’s VLT/ELT and HARPS3.

You will conduct independent research, build and lead a group, pursue external funding, contribute to teaching and governance, supervise students, and engage in outreach; the appointment is 38 hours

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field; postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Outstanding observational exoplanet research record.
• Ability to lead a diverse research team and mentor students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in exoplanet science with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Build and lead a research group and pursue external funding.
• Develop national and international research networks.
• Contribute to governance and improvement of teaching programmes; engage in committees.
• Supervise students and postdocs; contribute to outreach efforts.

Skills

Observational exoplanet research

Lead a research group

Teaching at Bachelor/Master level

Academic administration

Outreach activities

English proficiency

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Join us!

The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is seeking to hire one assistant professor in the area of exoplanet science. We especially welcome applications from experts in observational astronomy who could further strengthen, complement or expand API’s research in connection to current and future observing facilities and instrumentation, in particular those available through our national and international partners (for example, ESO’s VLT and ELT, HARPS3, the instruments available through the OPTICON Alliance, etc.).

What are you going to do

• Conducting independent research in exoplanet science, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals;
• Building and leading a research group, in the spirit of team science;
• Actively pursuing external funding;
• Actively contributing to the development of national and international research networks;
• Actively contributing to the governance and improvement of our broader teaching programmes;
• Taking part in committees and carrying out departmental administrative tasks;
• Supervising students of all levels and postdocs;
• Contributing to and actively seeking opportunities to increase the societal impact and visibility of research through media engagement, public lectures, or collaborative educational initiatives.

What we ask of you

• A relevant PhD degree and preferably postdoctoral experience;
• Outstanding research skills in observational exoplanet science, evidenced by a strong publication track record, and a clear vision for the advertised research profile;
• Proven ability or potential to lead a research group and mentor students across different academic levels and of diverse backgrounds;
• A strong interest in, and preferably experience with, science that complements the API’s strategic involvement in upcoming facilities;
• Potential in attracting external funding and resources;
• Affinity for teaching at Bachelor and Master level, evidenced by previous teaching efforts and/or a clearly articulated teaching philosophy;
• Management skills required for general academic administration and organisation, demonstrated through participation in committees, panels, working groups, etc.;
• Affinity for outreach activities, reflected in participation in previous initiatives and future plans;
• The Dutch University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO) or willingness to acquire this within the first two years;
• Good command of English and strong commitment to learn the Dutch language via a supported learning trajectory.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week with a tenure track agreement for the duration of 5 years, ending at the level of associate professor. The arrangement is such that after a maximum of 3 years and positive assessment and evaluation you will be offered a permanent position while the track continues towards the level of associate professor. Details of the criteria will be mutually agreed upon before the start of the contract in the Tenure Track agreement. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

The position comes with a start-up package, including funding for a PhD student, relocation support, mentoring, and leadership training.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 4,925 to € 6,682 (scale 11). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile UD2 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

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

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Where you will work

The Anton Pannekoek Institute has a long tradition of excellence in astronomical research and is part of the Dutch Top Research School NOVA (http://www.nova-astronomy.nl). API scientists have established a thriving interdisciplinary collaborative research and training program on the origins and fundamental aspects of life (www.amcool.nl), as part of the national Origins Center (http://www.originscenter.nl/). Scientists at API have access to national funding lines at the Dutch research organization NWO, and to European funding lines like the ERC grants and the Horizon Europe programs and networks.

The University of Amsterdam offers a complete undergraduate (BSc) and graduate (MSc, PhD) teaching programme that focuses on integrating students into research early in their education. This includes using the Anton Pannekoek Observatory (APO) as premier teaching facility. Our MSc programme is conducted fully in English, as are some courses at the BSc level. The successful candidate contributes to the excellence of our teaching program in innovative ways, including hands‑on teaching with the APO facilities.

The Anton Pannekoek Institute is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity; we consider a diverse and supportive environment to be fundamental to scientific excellence. The successful candidate promotes diversity and fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive work atmosphere for all staff and students. They are further expected to undertake engaging and accessible outreach programs, including initiatives aimed at groups that are underrepresented in the physical sciences.

Do you work in the field of exoplanet science? Are you interested in contributing to a diverse and collaborative research and teaching community?

We accept applications until and including 16 October 2026. The interviews will be held in November.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• For detailed questions about the position: Dr. Antonija Oklopčić, Associate Professor and Chair of the search committee, [e-mail]
• For practical information and all other questions: Prof. Dr. Lex Kaper, Director, [e-mail]