wageningen university & research vacatures

As a researcher at Wageningen Marine Research, you will contribute to a wide range of ecological research projects. Your primary responsibilities will involve setting up and carrying out experiments in the laboratory and in our test ponds, which we refer to as mesocosms. In the lab, you act as the eyes and ears of the project leader, with your responsibilities growing in line with your experience. You may also assist with fieldwork in the Wadden Sea or North Sea, or occasionally support our ecotoxicology lab in IJmuiden.

Your key tasks and responsibilities as a researcher include:

• Conducting ecological and ecotoxicological analyses and identifying plankton samples;
• Setting up and refining experimental research designs;
• Organising and planning your work in coordination with project leaders;
• Collecting data and ensuring traceability of research findings, measurement methods, materials, and samples used;
• (With supervision) analysing collected data and reporting on research outcomes.

Your working environment
Most of your work will take place in the laboratory and experimental facilities in Den Helder, with occasional trips to the field and/or our ecotoxicology laboratory in IJmuiden. You will work closely with other researchers and project leaders, and may occasionally take part in discussions with clients. Approximately 45 colleagues are based at our Den Helder location, specialising in various scientific ecological and biological topics, including zooplankton, benthos, and ecotoxicology.
Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading marine ecological research institute employing around 190 staff. We operate from three locations: IJmuiden, Den Helder, and Yerseke. WMR conducts fieldwork, theoretical and experimental research, data management, and modelling. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. In addition, our chemical and benthos laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited. WMR is part of Wageningen University & Research. Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €2.823,- and €3.719,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 7 ). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”. The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated. We are looking for an enthusiastic and approachable colleague with a talent for building and improving experimental setups. You contribute to research through creative and practical solutions. You are structured and well-organised in your work, even under pressure, and can strike a good balance between working independently and as part of a team. With your initiative, decisiveness, and strong communication skills, you will be a valuable addition to our team.

You also bring:

• A completed higher professional education (HBO) in a relevant field, preferably a laboratory degree in biology, ecology, or ecotoxicology;
• Experience with, or strong interest in, aquatic/marine ecology and experimental research;
• Knowledge of chemicals and hazardous substances;
• Experience in identifying plankton and conducting marine fieldwork is an asset;
• Good command of the Dutch language.

As we operate in an increasingly international working environment, more and more communication takes place in English. For this position, a minimum level of B2 is required. If you do not yet meet this level, we will of course support you in achieving it through our language centre, Wageningen in’to Language. For more information about the position, please contact Babeth van der Weide (babeth.vanderweide@wur.nl) and/or Edwin Foekema (edwin.foekema@wur.nl).

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until May 25, 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.