Are you experienced in hydrology and project management with a focus on innovation? Do you have a background in scientific research related to societal challenges for which knowledge of soil-water systems is essential? Are you interested, for example, in development of simulation models and tools like SWAP and Watervision Agriculture? Or would you like to contribute to knowledge development on salinization and land use in the Netherlands, helping to make "integrating Water and Soil considerations" a tangible reality? If so, we’re looking for you!

What will you do?
As a senior researcher (28-36 hours per week), you will lead research projects focusing on the hydrology of the unsaturated zone and the challenges mentioned above, such as salinity in water management and working on climate- and future-proof solutions for soil, water and land use. You will collaborate with other research institutions and consortia and bring experience in developing project plans.

We are the Soil, Water, and Land Use team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), active in three disciplines: soil geography, (agro)hydrology and soil physics. Using field and laboratory studies, statistics, simulation models and systems research, we contribute to solutions for soil and water management and a climate-adaptive future. We also supply the soil and groundwater data for the Dutch National Key Registry of the Subsurface (BRO). Together with Wageningen University, we maintain the SWAP (Soil Water Atmosphere Plant) simulation model and its derivative, Watervision Agriculture, also part of the National Hydrological Instruments (NHI).

If you’re interested in any of the topics mentioned, we would love to hear from you! Please realize that the ability to speak and write in Dutch is important for this job.

• An academic degree in a relevant field, preferably a PhD;
• Proven knowledge of soil hydrology and soil physics in relation to regional soil and water management;
• Experience in initiating and leading research projects;
• A results-oriented, collaborative, and client-focused attitude;
• Affinity with simulation models, data analysis, survey methodologies, and statistics;
• Experience with publishing in peer-reviewed journals; strong reporting and presentation skills, in both Dutch and English.

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 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 €3.830,- and €6.763,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-12). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended on good performance.

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.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

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 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.

For more information about this position, please contact Mirjam Hack-ten Broeke, Teamleider Soil, Water and Land Use, phone: (+31) 0317 486485, e-mail: mirjam.hack@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Ine van ‘t Land, Corporate Recruiter, ine.vantland@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 2 December 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after this date.

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.