Professor by Special Appointment in Conservation Science

This five-year special Chair offers the opportunity to connect scientific insight with global conservation efforts. As part of Utrecht University’s Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration group, you will drive research on ecological connectivity and collaborate with WWF Netherlands to create impactful, science-based solutions for global biodiversity challenges.

Your job
The Chair builds on the legacy of the Prince Bernhard Chair for International Nature Conservation and carries forward the commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and the integration of science and practice. Following in the footsteps of internationally recognised scholars such as Norman Myers, Jeffrey A. Sayer, Francis E. Putz, Bill Laurance, Jaboury Ghazoul, and Julia P.G. Jones, you will contribute to advancing the next generation of conservation science.

The Chair in Conservation Science supports science-based conservation by developing multidisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between science and practice, thereby not only promoting nature conservation efforts but also integrating them to address societal challenges.

A key theme of the Chair is connectivity: both in landscapes and in the way conservation science is conducted and applied. Habitat fragmentation is a major driver of biodiversity loss worldwide. Ecological connectivity is therefore essential for maintaining viable populations, ecosystem functioning, and resilience to environmental change. Understanding how habitat fragmentation affects species, ecological processes, and ecosystem services, and how they respond to restoration and landscape-scale conservation initiatives, is central to addressing today’s conservation challenges.

Effective conservation also depends on connectivity beyond ecology. Progress depends on collective action and collaboration across disciplines, bringing ecological knowledge together with social, economic, and governance perspectives. It also requires connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, local communities, and conservation organizations to jointly develop solutions that are both scientifically resilient and socially relevant.

You will advance research on ecological connectivity and landscape-scale conservation while fostering connections across research fields, sectors, countries, and communities. A particular focus will be translating scientific insights into practical applications that support conservation and restoration. By strengthening these multiple forms of connectivity, you will help to develop innovative conservation solutions that benefit both nature and society.

What you will help make happen:

• Generate scientifically robust knowledge that addresses major conservation challenges and informs innovative conservation practice.
• Strengthen the link between academic research and real-world conservation needs.
• Build international collaborations between Utrecht University, universities abroad, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as facilitate exchanges for students and researchers.
• Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects, publications, and funding proposals, and attract subsequent funding for additional junior researchers.
• Bring diverse perspectives and expertise to enrich research, teaching, and academic debate in conservation science.
• Bridge conservation science and practice through knowledge exchange, outreach, and the dissemination of research findings, while raising awareness of pressing conservation issues.
• Supervise PhD candidates and help train the next generation of conservation scientists.

The Chair will be established as a special chair in the Wildlife Ecology & Nature Restoration research group (established March 2025) in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, and will maintain close links with WWF, in particular its office in the Netherlands.

Requirements

We are looking for a mid- or later career scholar who combines scientific credibility with experience in government, NGOs, international organisations, or knowledge institutes. Your ability to bridge research and real-world conservation action is key. Candidates from both academic and non-academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided you demonstrate experience and expertise equivalent to (Associate) Professor level.

You should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree in the field of ecology, conservation science, or environmental science.
• Demonstrate a track record in conservation science, with involvement in research that addresses major conservation challenges and informs conservation policy and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific knowledge into tangible conservation outcomes.
• Have academic teaching experience, including supervising (under)graduate students and early-career researchers.
• Possess an international network and a proven ability to collaborate with universities, conservation organizations, governments, and/or local stakeholders.
• Show experience in attracting external funding.
• Be available to commit 20% of your time to this role, including regular visits to Utrecht University within the limits of the budget.

Contract terms

A position as Professor by Special Appointment in Conservation Science for a period of five years at 0.2 FTE, based on a hosting agreement with Utrecht University. The position includes a stipend commensurate with the candidate’s experience and current employment situation, as well as a dedicated budget to support the activities of the chair.