Head of the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences (BDS)

About your role

You will provide strategic and academic leadership to the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences (BDS) and set its direction within a rapidly evolving data science landscape. You will be responsible for the department’s strategy in the areas of research, research support, education and valorisation. You will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven healthcare. You will also connect the four BDS sections and strengthen collaboration with internal and external partners in order to further develop the department’s position.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing the department’s strategic direction in research, research support, education and valorisation.
• Connecting the four BDS sections and promoting collaboration within the LUMC, the Leiden Bio Science Park, and with national and international partners.
• Advancing innovation and interdisciplinary research, with a particular focus on AI and data-driven healthcare.
• Strengthening the academic position and visibility of BDS within the national and international research community.

About your workplace

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is a leading university medical centre where patient care, research and education come together. With its strong scientific focus and distinctive translational research approach, the LUMC is internationally recognised for innovation in healthcare and biomedical research.

The Department of Biomedical Data Sciences (BDS) plays an important role in advancing biomedical research through methodological innovation, data science, epidemiology, medical statistics, medical decision-making and advanced data management. The department has a strong national and international reputation and is actively involved in leading research, education and collaborative initiatives in areas including AI, causal inference, implementation science and health economics.

BDS is one of the departments within the Caecilia Institute for Population Health & Data Sciences and works closely with partners throughout the LUMC, Leiden University and the Leiden Bio Science Park.

About you

You are an inspiring academic leader who provides direction, creates connections and encourages others to perform at their best. You combine a clear strategic vision with a pragmatic approach and know how to make collaboration across disciplines a natural part of the organisation. You create an environment in which researchers and other staff members can develop and in which scientific excellence, innovation and societal impact go hand in hand.

You identify with the LUMC’s core values: personal, inclusive, connecting and enquiring.

In addition, you have:

• A strong international track record in biomedical data science.
• Demonstrable expertise and a clear vision regarding AI and data-driven healthcare.
• Experience leading innovative research programmes and securing competitive research funding.
• Experience supervising researchers and translating scientific insights into clinical and societal impact.
• Management experience within an interdisciplinary academic environment, for example as the head of a research group or department.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A good command of Dutch or a willingness to learn the language.

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have a workforce that is a good reflection of society. We are committed to the highest quality in health care, education and (international) research, in which diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people, but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to be a creative and inspiring place to work, where everyone feels at home, safe and valued. It's all about who you are and what you bring to contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work toward a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.  

More information

• As Head of the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences (BDS), your salary will range from € 9.859 to € 13.171 gross per month, based on salary scale. These amounts are based on full-time employment. (scale 18, CAO UMC). 
• A 3.5% salary increase will take effect on 1 May 2027.
• This is a temporary appointment for a period of four years, with the possibility of an extension for a further four years.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.