Are you an experienced ecological researcher with practical field experience in Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscape studies? Are you fluent in Dutch and do you enjoy applied research and keep up with scientific developments in this field? Do you want to use your knowledge in vegetation science and landscape ecology to find solutions for societal and ecological issues? Then we are looking for you!

Within the Vegetation and Landscape Ecology (VLE) team, we need to expand our capacity. We are looking for an experienced researcher with up-to-date field knowledge of Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscape. With this knowledge, you will conduct applied research in nature conservation, nature restoration, and Dutch nature policy (especially Natura 2000) and keep up with scientific developments in this area, both nationally and internationally. You will carry out projects focused on the monitoring, protection, and restoration of (semi)natural systems and habitats, as well as endangered species, in a team and project-based setting. Policy studies are also part of the field. You will conduct research, process and interpret research results in a project context, and write publications, both peer-reviewed scientific articles and Dutch-language reports and articles. You will contribute ideas for new acquisitions and eventually take the lead in them.

A great example of our ongoing research is that we are conducting system restoration research in the “Heuvelland” as part of the OBN knowledge network. Based on (historical) spatial data of species and habitat types, along with suitable conditions, we are identifying promising (restoration or expansion) locations. Want to know more about all the research we do? Look here.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch policy mentioned above, is absolutely critical and applications that do not show this will not be assessed.

• good communication skills and excellent command of the Dutch language, both written and spoken, and a good command of the English language are essential;
• a completed master in Biology or Forest and Nature Management;
• extensive experience in conducting (field) research on Dutch flora, vegetation, landscape, and abiotic processes is required;
• knowledge of the Natura 2000 research and policy field, as well as abiotics, is a plus;
• experience with project management and project-based work is a plus;
• knowledge of statistical techniques, R, and/or GIS is recommended.

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 €3.830,- and €6,763.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-12). You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended to an open-ended contract upon in mutual enthusiasm.

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.