biotechnician and animal caretaker

Your job

Please be aware that a good command of the dutch language is mandatory for this vacancy

As a biotechnician and animal caretaker, you will collaborate with researchers, particularly from the Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen University & Research. Within our research facility, the Aquatic Research Facility, you will be responsible for the care of test animals. This mainly involves taking care of fish and monitoring and ensuring the correct water quality by properly managing the biofilters in the recirculation systems. Through these tasks, you will make a significant contribution to the sustainable production of fish and shrimp. In addition to fish care, you will also support research on the effects of the ecological environment on aquatic organisms, such as corals.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a biotechnician and animal caretaker:

• Daily care of test animals, registering and documenting any health abnormalities;
• Monitoring water quality and translating findings into the management of the recirculation system;
• Correct execution of experiments in collaboration with researchers;
• Setting up spaces and materials necessary for research in a timely and complete manner—you are not afraid of physical challenges;
• Carrying out experimental procedures such as various sampling and administration methods according to the research plan;
• Identifying deviations from the research plan and/or regulations, documenting, and reporting them.

You will work in a team of six colleagues handling aquatic organisms in Wageningen at CARUS. More information about our research facility can be found here: Carus

Your qualities

You are flexible and able to work independently. You are accurate and skilled in planning and organizing. Additionally, you have a service-oriented and customer-focused attitude and can work well in a small team.

Requirements:

• (Pre-)Vocational Education (MBO) level;
• Preferably a Article 13f certification (formerly Article 12) to work with test animals, or willingness to obtain it;
• Some experience in the field is an advantage;
• Good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written;
• B2 level of English
• Weekend shifts are part of the job.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €2.821,- and €3.137,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 4). Additionally, a contract for 28 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

Coming from abroad
Due to Dutch immigration laws, candidates from outside the EU/EFTA zone, can usually not be hired for this position. More information can be found on the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Menno ter Veld, Operational manager; +31317486135 or menno.terveld@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter, vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until April 14th, 2025

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.

We are

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.