As a Researcher in Artificial Intelligence at our Den Helder office, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our marine monitoring projects. We envision harnessing the power of AI, specifically in computer vision applications, to enhance ecological research and monitoring capabilities. Your work at Wageningen Marine Research will contribute to cutting-edge solutions, optimizing data analysis, and fostering innovation in marine science. Because biodiversity is worldwide under pressure, extensive research is required to track and reverse the curve of biodiversity loss, examining the diversity of life forms in the sea. Through recent technological advancements Wageningen Marine Research can now monitor biodiversity on increasingly larger (temporal and spatial) scales, using tools such as digital cameras and (underwater) drones. As an applied research institute, one of our roles is to translate such imagery (i.e., field data) into scientific data and useful information for area managers and policymakers. To make this translation and take the next step, we are looking for a Researcher Artificial Intelligence who will join our team of machine learning experts.

In this role:

• You will work on several (marine) monitoring projects;
• Your work will contribute to cutting-edge solutions, optimizing data analysis, and fostering innovation in marine science;
• You enjoy working on topics related to the marine environment, devising real-life solutions and thrive in multidisciplinary environments;
• You are part of the WUR-wide Agro Food Robotics (AFR) team as a machine learning expert;
• You collaborate on joint projects;
• You are involved in the entire project lifecycle, from the initial project idea to client meetings, discussions with the project team, various research phases within the project, to the delivery of final results;
• You work on multiple projects simultaneously as part of a contract research registration;
• You have the opportunity to learn many new things and make a personal contribution to innovative projects as part of the project team;

An enthusiastic and ambitious Machine Learning researcher/developer with:

• A university degree in computer science, computer vision, artificial intelligence, or machine learning. A Ph.D. is a plus but not required;
• Excellent machine learning skills;
• Experience in deep learning research with a preference for ecological or environmental applications;
• Personal interest in ecology, marine biology, and/or environmental science is an advantage;
• Strong programming skills and experience with Python and C++ are required;
• You are a valued team member, flexible and enthusiastic about finding solutions, and skilled in working collaboratively to ensure project success.
• Experience in implementing innovative machine learning solutions in practical applications;
• A social and creative personality;
• Good proficiency in English. Dutch is a plus but not required.
• Willingness to travel: the work will be conducted at various WUR locations, including Den Helder, IJmuiden, and Wageningen. International travel for conferences and meetings will also be part of this role.

You can see that there are plenty of challenges ahead of you. These challenges can also be seen as development opportunities. So if you do not yet have the track-record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.

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, per week;
• 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 € 3.088,- and € 5.035,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (Hay profile WO Researcher 4/scale 10, additional group position).

The successful candidate will be employed on a temporary contract which is extended annually, depending on the availability of relevant research projects and performance. We aim for a longer employment within the legal terms: Current legislation allows for a maximum of 3 years or 3 contracts.

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.

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.
Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

Wageningen University & Research

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!

You will work here
Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading marine ecological research institute employing approximately 190 people. We do our work from three locations: IJmuiden, Den Helder and Yerseke. WMR works on field research, theoretical research, experimental research, data management and modelling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. WMR is an organizational unit of Wageningen University & Research. Would you like more information about Wageningen Marine Research? View our website.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.