Full Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology (1.0 FTE)

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites talented candidates to apply for the position of Full Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology. This fulltime, tenured position oversees all functional and operational activities of the Section of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology. We seek candidates who demonstrate teaching and research excellence in the fields of anatomy and/or physiology, who are interested in exploring innovative teaching strategies and technologies, who are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and who are committed to stimulating and facilitating cohesion between disciplines.  

The professorship has the unique position of connecting and integrating various educational, research and clinical efforts at Utrecht University and the University Medical Center Utrecht, an academic research hospital, within the scope of the section. In addition to Veterinary Medicine, these include Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Cancer, Veterinary Biomedicine and the Life Sciences disciplines at Utrecht University in general.

The primary responsibilities of the Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology are to formulate a clear vision for the role of veterinary anatomy and physiology within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and within Utrecht Life Sciences in a wider perspective, to contribute to ongoing innovation of the section’s educational curriculum, and to initiate translational research in the area of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Cancer. Further, the Full Professor will be expected to expand the section’s research and valorization activities with respect to creating alternatives to using animals for teaching purposes. He or she manages a diverse team of Senior and Junior Lecturers, Student Assistants and Technicians, who help with practical coursework.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• oversee and ensure high-quality teaching and education of the section at all relevant levels;
• stimulate innovation of educational activities of the section;
• intensify integration of the Anatomy and Physiology disciplines within the teaching programme;
• expand post-graduate training courses within the framework of the current Faculty-wide “life-long learning” initiative;
• initiate translational research within the existing research focus area of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Cancer;
• develop complementary and synergistic interactions between the research and teaching personnel of the section, to enhance academic input and output and reflection on education;
• participate in the research areas relevant to the section and contribute to acquisition of external research funding, to scientific output and meeting of societal criteria;
• increase international recognition of the Veterinary Anatomy Resource Center (VetArc-UU), a centre for the production of plastinates and innovative teaching techniques;
• expand the activities of VetArc-UU by stimulating innovative research and development focusing on reduction and replacement of animal experimentation, for instance by developing alternatives such as “organ-on-a-chip” devices;
• contribute to the Faculty organization and the well-being of the scientific community by participation in management and faculty committees.

The successful candidate will ideally meet the following requirements:

• a PhD degree and (preferably) a DVM degree;
• experience in academic teaching and/or research at an advanced level;
• experience with working in an academic setting, preferably at the management level;
• an international reputation for excellence in teaching and/or research in the field of Anatomy or Physiology;
• track record in scientific publications and attracting of external funding in a relevant research field is required;
• track record in course development and in participation in educational committees is an advantage;
• a clear vision on the development of innovative teaching tools for the disciplines of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology;
• excellent teaching skills and familiarity (preferred) with Veterinary Medicine curricula, but candidates with experience in Medical or Biomedical curricula will be considered;
• vision about how to attract external funding;
• exceptional networking skills;
• excellent communication and proven management skills, in particular inspiring co-workers to achieve excellence;
• ability to communicate (speaking and writing) in English fluently. Willingness to learn Dutch would be appreciated.

We offer a fulltime permanent position. The gross salary varies, depending on previous qualifications and experience, between €5,441 and €7,921 per month (fulltime appointment in scale H2 of the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities). Salaries are supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, there are outstanding secondary benefits such as a minimum of 29 days of holidays per year, study facilities and a pension plan. For more information visit: Utrecht University Terms of Employment.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively on major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University is one of the world’s top interdisciplinary teaching and research universities dedicated to finding solutions to socially relevant challenges and preparing students to become our future leaders. Since its establishment in 1636, we have demonstrated our commitment to excellence, and continue to do so, as illustrated by our many years in top positions in the Shanghai Ranking, the Times Higher Ranking and the QS Ranking. 

With more than 6,000 staff and approximately 30,000 students, Utrecht University is one of the largest universities in Europe, and is located in the centre of The Netherlands, in the attractive and culturally vibrant city of Utrecht.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UUFVM) is home to the largest veterinary clinic in Europe, consisting of approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and over 1,500 students. We integrate clinical expertise with research-based inquiry to gain insight into the relationships between animals, humans and the environment. The UUFVM is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and we are internationally recognized for our outstanding veterinary education, research and care.

Further information about the UU-FVM and the Utrecht University is available via the website www.uu.nl. Information for international staff and guests can be found at: Welcome to Utrecht University.

Informal inquiries should be directed to Prof. Dr. René van Weeren, via + 31 30 253 1062 or r.vanweeren@uu.nl. A more detailed description of the Chair is available upon request.

An assessment on leadership competences will be part of the selection procedure. Utrecht University uses a Qualification Portfolio for the appointment of new Professors, which replaces the curriculum vitae. We would like to receive a more complete picture of future Professors and create a base for the evaluation of both quality and productivity in research, education, patient care and leadership. When a component of the qualification portfolio is not applicable for a candidate, this part can be left empty. The format for the qualification portfolio can be found here.

Please upload your Qualification Portfolio, a cover letter and the names and contact details of at least two persons who are able to provide a professional reference via the 'application’ button below.