Are you fluent in Dutch? Are you looking for a role where you can continue to develop your leadership talents? Do you have a passion for animal health and research on infectious diseases? We, at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), are looking for a department head of experimental animal research in Lelystad! Will you join our team?

What will you do?
As department head, you will lead a team of 35 people conducting experimental research using animals to prevent animal diseases and zoonoses. This is done under the regulations and legislation of the ethical committee. Our goal is to prevent infectious diseases while maintaining health for both humans and animals, in line with current laws and the 3 R’s (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). You will also actively contribute to strengthening the collaboration with various animal facilities at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Together with WUR colleagues, you will work on further developing our vision on (target) animal research. You will shape this vision through the application of the 3 R’s in both research and educational innovations.

In addition to being a people manager, you will be financially responsible for the department’s operations. Moreover, you will ensure that safety protocols are followed, and that high-quality work is delivered in compliance with AAALAC standards. As part of the management team, you will play a strategic role in the development of WBVR’s approach to animal research.

You are/have:

• preferably an (academic) education in life sciences;
• proven extensive experience with veterinary or biomedical scientific research, as well as with laws and regulations;
• excellent leadership skills with at least 5 years of management experience;
• strong social and communication skills; you can motivate your team, foster collaboration within and between departments, and initiate new partnerships both internally and externally;
• fluency in Dutch.

The work may occasionally take place in buildings subject to additional quarantine restrictions (based on EU regulations). This means that keeping even-toed ungulates at home is not permitted. It is also prohibited to visit these animals or poultry farms within 72 hours of certain tasks. You must be willing to comply with these rules.

In our international work environment, English is increasingly used. For this role, a C1 level of English proficiency is required. If you do not yet have this level, we will assist you in achieving it through our language center, Wageningen in'to Language.

You see many challenges ahead, which can also be seen as opportunities for personal development. If you do not yet meet all the requirements listed in the job description but have solid work experience, we still encourage you to apply.

Where will you work?
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is a leading research institute in the field of animal health and public health. The uniqueness of WBVR lies in its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on innovative solutions to complex problems in these domains.

WBVR holds a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute authorized to work with most animal viruses and bacteria up to biosafety level vBSL4 (vDM4), such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever. This work is conducted in laboratories and animal facilities that can house large livestock animals (e.g., cattle) and smaller rodents. Facilities are also available for research and animal testing with BSL3 pathogens, such as avian influenza and Coxiella.

Various experts in specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology, and diagnostics enable WBVR to work towards the institute's mission and vision. WBVR contributes to a society where both animals and people lead healthy lives by conducting scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health.

WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D, and regulatory research tasks. We represent the interests of the Dutch agri-food sector, veterinary public health, and the life sciences and health sectors. As a contract research organization, we focus on market demand in the animal and human life sciences.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
• 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 December 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 €3830,-. and €7576.-. for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-13).
Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended to an open-ended contract upon in mutual enthusiasm. Of course, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland and with your work you have a clear and positive impact on society. At WUR we work on the most pressing challenges of our time, like climate change and feeding the world in a sustainable way.

Wageningen University & Research

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 this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.