Ghent University is one of the most important and fastest-growing institutions for research and higher education in the Low Countries of Europe. Every day its 6,000 staff members and 30,000 students help realise the university’s motto “Dare to Think”. Quality education, internationally recognised research and a pluralist commitment to society characterise Ghent University’s mission. As part of its increasing academic status, the University gives notice of

7 full-time positions as Professor in the rank of (senior) lecturer or (senior) full professor with a focus on scientific research.

These new Academic Staff members will receive the privilege of focussing on research, with only a limited teaching responsibility, for a period of 1 to 5 years, possibly extended to a maximum of 10 years. As a start-up package, each of these staff members will receive a research grant of € 172.000 (subject to indexation) to contribute towards the costs of establishing a research team. Candidates from all fields of expertise can apply. At least 1 position will be available for Humanities and Social Sciences, 1 for Sciences and Applied Sciences, and 1 for Biomedical and Health Sciences. The selection procedure will be highly competitive.

Candidates are expected to:
- hold a PhD degree with doctoral thesis or a degree recognized as equivalent, and have at least 2 years of post-doctoral research experience by 1 October 2010;
- have carried out excellent research in their field of study, proven by, among other things, recent outstanding publications in national and international peer reviewed journals and/or books;
- have experience in supervising research and/or coaching Ph.D. students;
- possess the didactic, organisational and communication skills for teaching at 3rd level.

International research experience will be an advantage, in particular work with research institutions abroad.

No prior knowledge of Dutch is necessary at the time of appointment, but candidates will be expected to acquire a working knowledge of the language within 3 years. The official language at Ghent University is Dutch.

Ghent University offers a full-time position as professor in the rank of (senior) lecturer or (senior) full professor. The rank will be decided by the university board.

- A position in the rank of lecturer includes:
• a full-time tenure track position;
• a 5-year contract which, subject to a positive evaluation, will become a permanent position;
• terms of employment equivalent to all autonomous academic staff of Ghent University.
- A position in the rank of senior lecturer or (senior) full professor includes:
• a permanent contract, although an initial probationary period may be required;
• terms of employment as applicable to all autonomous academic staff of Ghent University.

Ghent University is an equal opportunities institution. Applications from female researchers are therefore particularly welcome.

How to apply:
The position will be vacant on 1 October 2010. Applications must be sent in duplicate to the Rector of Ghent University, St-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium, no later than 30 October 2009. Postage stamp on or before this date is regarded as evidence of timely submission. Candidates must use the specific application forms, accompanied by a presentation of their intended research activities and a copy of relevant certificates and degrees. The application forms are available online on the Ghent University website: www.ugent.be/nl/nieuwsagenda/vacatures/zap/formulierBOF.doc More information on this position can be obtained from the Research Coordination Office: phone + 32 9 264 30 33; e-mail Dirk.DeCraemer@UGent.be