As the Head of the Department of Animal Health & Animal Welfare, you will contribute to innovations and solutions for issues in the fields of animal welfare, humane livestock farming, preventive animal health, and precision livestock farming.
In the role of department head, you will lead a research team of over 40 employees. With your substantive vision and people-oriented leadership style, you will optimally facilitate the team to achieve the best results together. You will use your network in the agri-food sector and with knowledge institutions to create support and cooperation in the field.
Your tasks and responsibilities include: - leading the department; demonstrating leadership based on trust, encouraging personal responsibility, team development, and focusing on social safety at work. The structure of the department can be arranged flexibly;
- developing and communicating a clear and inspiring departmental vision with your team, and translating this vision into strategy and actions; thereby enhancing our scientific and societal impact;
- contributing to the strategic, scientific, and market development of Wageningen Livestock Research, and the Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen University & Research;
- being part of the management team of Wageningen Livestock Research and shaping the future development of the institute; and implementing strategic and annual plans;
- developing and maintaining strategic partnerships, collaborations within and outside WUR, and relationships with research institutes, academia, the agri-food sector, policymakers, and other stakeholders;
- promoting working in interdisciplinary teams and encouraging integral sustainable solutions;
- managing financial, personnel, and other operational matters at the departmental level.
The Research Our food system is a complex system with many sustainability challenges. Much of our research is related to this. We face climate change, the effects of our food system on our living environment, and declining biodiversity. At the same time, a growing world population, increasing demand for (animal) proteins, and animal welfare are key aspects in visions and dialogues about how to feed the world. Wageningen Livestock Research examines the role of animals in the food system and strives to improve the quality of life for humans, animals, and nature. We create scientifically based solutions for ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable livestock farming, insect farming, and aquaculture. Together with our customers and partners, we integrate scientific knowledge and practical experience to develop livestock farming concepts and solutions for future generations. Our strategic research themes are humane livestock farming, preventive animal health, climate-smart livestock farming, circular agrifood systems, and biodiversity.
An animal that feels well is more robust and less susceptible to diseases. Our animal welfare and animal health experts develop innovative and practical solutions that ensure animals have a good and healthy life. A life that meets their natural needs as much as possible. Our clients and stakeholders are diverse; from government to NGOs and the private sector. Most of our research challenges require a multidisciplinary approach.