NIOZ Director

About NIOZ

NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research) is one of ten national research institutes, embedded within the Dutch Research Council Institute’ Foundation, NWO-I. NIOZ operates from two strategic locations in the Netherlands, on Texel and in Yerseke. It employs a permanent staff of more than 50 marine scientists, and a total of approximately 350 (permanent and fixed-term) employees.

NIOZ is the national oceanographic institute and the Netherlands’ centre of expertise for ocean, sea and coast founded 150 years ago. NIOZ advances fundamental understanding of marine systems, the way they change, the role they play in climate and biodiversity, and how they may provide sustainable solutions to society in the future. As a research institute of national importance and with a global reputation, NIOZ also is an important player in stimulating and supporting marine education and marine policy development at national and international levels. NIOZ is an active member of various European scientific networks, including countries bordering the North Sea.

NIOZ is the national marine research facilitator and has a department (NMF), dedicated to developing and maintaining seagoing equipment and vessels for the Dutch marine science community. In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to the renewal of the national research fleet, which is now nearing completion with the construction of the third and largest research vessel Anna Weber-van Bosse.

he NIOZ Strategy 2023-2028 emphasizes how climate and biodiversity as an institute-wide focus of the seagoing research, the fostering of scientific collaboration and connecting research with society. One aim of this strategy is to advance our understanding of our coasts, seas, and oceans - from exploring scientific unknowns and new frontiers to clarifying their role on climate and biodiversity. Another aim is to create a healthy working environment in which diversity, inclusion, and recognition of individual talents are part of the standard working environment. Read more about the NIOZ Strategy 2023-2028 on the website: https://nioz.foleon.com/nioz-strategy-2023-2028.

Job Description

The Director of NIOZ holds an integral responsibility for the Institute, including its scientific and operational management. Leading on NIOZ’s strategy, the Director develops and implements the scientific and societal mission and strategic objectives of NIOZ within the strategic and financial constraints, and in agreement with the role of NIOZ as a national research institute.

As the external representative of NIOZ, the Director actively develops the role of NIOZ as a national research institute, building and maintaining relations with relevant national and international stakeholders. Within the national and European research landscape, the Director leads on aligning the Institute’s research agenda with that of its research partners, most specifically the Dutch universities and (international) fellow research organisations and institutes. Additionally, as part of the national role of NIOZ, the Director acts as an advisor to the Dutch government on issues pertaining to national research agendas and initiatives.

Reporting to the Foundation Board of NWO-I, the Director is an active member of the Directors Team of the NWO-I Foundation. This collegial team is responsible for the positioning, alignment, and strategy of the portfolio of ten NWO Institutes.

Job requirements

The Director of NIOZ:

• has proven leadership skills, with experience in scientific management and administration of complex organisations, and possesses the qualities to represent NIOZ as an inspiring figurehead;
• navigates NIOZ through an increasingly complex world and ensures that NIOZ's mission and vision are consistent with this;
• has a contemporary view on leadership and encourages team science by stimulating a collaborative, diverse, and safe (scientific) work environment;
• is a motivating, inspiring, and approachable leader, who lives our core values by being connecting, receptive, and reliable and stands behind decisions taken;
• has a strong background in (a discipline related to) marine research and has knowledge of the national and international developments in the broad field of marine sciences. Is capable of translating this knowledge into a vision for NIOZ, in consultation with internal and external stakeholders. Can organise individuals behind a shared vision and goal;
• communicates clearly, effectively, and diplomatically;
• is an effective networker, and can build on and maintain a relevant scientific and public network, both in a national and international context;
• has an overview of (Dutch and international) scientific practice and is familiar with the workings of (Dutch) political consultation structures; is familiar with the Dutch funding landscape.

Terms of Employment

The director is appointed for a term of 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term of (up to) five years.

The position is classified in scale 18 of the current Collective Labour Agreement for research organisations.

In addition, NWO-I offers a flexible set of employee benefits, including pension benefits through the pension fund ABP.

Appointment Process and Procedure

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Appointment Advisory Committee. Applications should consist of a covering letter addressing motivation and suitability in light of the job requirements and a full curriculum vitae.

NWO-I values a broad representation within its leadership teams and encourages interest from candidates who can help strengthen this diversity.

Perrett Laver may be contacted for informal enquiries and questions about the post on +31 (0)20 240 4370 or tiziano.sartor@perrettlaver.com.

Applications can be uploaded at plusportal.perrettlaver.com, quoting reference number 8175. The closing date for applications is 9am CET on Monday, 26th January 2026.

Applications will be considered by the Appointment Advisory Committee end of January. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates, and the committee will then meet to decide on the shortlist of candidates late February. These individuals will subsequently be invited for formal interviews in March. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.

A development assessment may be part of the procedure.

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