Are you an ecological modeller who can develop, adapt and apply models for use in wildlife management, landscape and species conservation? Do you like to collaborate with colleagues who are experts in different fields of ecology and environmental sciences, and together develop conceptual, mathematical and computational models? Are you the motor for the implementation of such models and interested in delivering high quality research for our clients? Then this vacancy will be of interest to you.

The Animal Ecology team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) consists of researchers/project leaders, laboratory and field staff who work in the domain of wildlife ecology (mammals, birds, insects, reptiles/amphibians) and genetics. We conduct high-quality, independent research aimed at protecting, restoring and managing wildlife. Our research is funded by (local) governments, land managers, NGOs, companies, and (inter)national research grants. Through applied research we make our knowledge and expertise available to maintain the quality of our (natural) living environment, now and in the future.

There is a need to expand capacity within the team. We are looking for a (senior) Ecological Modeller (28 to 36 hours per week) whose primary task is to take up (applied) ecological modelling, and to help develop and adapt methods to our specific research needs. You will carry out projects in a team, interpret research results in a project context and write publications, including reports (in Dutch and English) and peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals. You think along about new acquisitions and may also take the lead in this in the longer term.

As a (senior) ecological modeller you will be:

• Acting as the researcher/modeller in a number of wildlife-related projects, with a variety of clients in close collaboration with colleagues within and outside the AE team. In this role, not only you ensure scientific quality of the work, but also make sure that the planned financial results and deadlines are met.
• Publishing results in reports and scientific journals and present them at (inter)national conferences.
• Acquiring projects and building an (inter)national network.
• Further strengthening and enlarging the research field based on your expertise, together with the team.

• MSc or PhD degree in ecology, environmental sciences or biology with an accent on mathematics and modelling, or in computer science or mathematics with applications in ecology or environmental sciences;
• Good interpersonal skills and a team player;
• Preferably –a few years of experience in the development of models in ecology or environmental sciences, applied to solve (complex) environmental problems;
• Good programming skills using a modern object-oriented language (Python, Java, C++ or Smalltalk) and ability to perform data analysis and visualization in R;
• Preferably experience with agent-based modelling (NetLogo or comparable);
• Preferably experience in big data analytics, i.e. animal tracking data, population dynamics;
• Basic understanding of geographic information systems (QGIS) and spatial modelling;

At least C1 level of communication skills (writing and speaking) in English. Knowledge of the Dutch language, or willingness to learn it, is a prerequisite. Strong international candidates will be offered an intensive language course to help them achieve the required level of Dutch.

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, up to 40 hours 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 €3,202,- and €5,949,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). A contract for 28 or 32 hours is an option. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - 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.

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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief. 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 supportinternational employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about housing, schooling, and other issues. Finally WUR offers a dual career program that helps partners through a group based or individual program.

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 the content of this position, please contact Marion Kluivers, Team Leader, phone: + 317 480 590, e-mail: marion.kluivers@wur.nl

For any other questions on the procedure you can contact Edgar Tijhuis, recruiter, e-mail: edgar.tijhuis@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter 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 January 8th 2025. We plan to schedule the first job interviews on 16 and/or 17 January 2025.

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