Vegetation and Landscape Researcher

Your job

Are you an ecological researcher with practical experience in fieldwork focusing on Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscapes? Do you enjoy applied research and closely follow scientific developments in this field? Are you eager to use your expertise in vegetation and landscape ecology to address societal and ecological challenges? Do you have experience in project management and acquisition? If so, we are looking for you!

What will you do?
With your hands-on field knowledge of Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscapes, you will conduct applied research in nature conservation, ecological restoration, and Dutch nature policy (particularly Natura 2000).

Your tasks will include:

• Keeping up with scientific developments in flora, vegetation, and landscape research, both nationally and internationally.
• Executing projects in teams and project-based formats, focusing on monitoring, protecting, and restoring (semi-)natural systems, species, and their habitats.
• Contributing to policy studies within the field of work.
• Conducting research, including processing and interpreting research findings.
• Writing publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles as well as Dutch-language reports and articles.
• Contributing ideas for new acquisition opportunities and, in time, taking the lead in acquisition activities.

Your qualities

• Academic working and thinking level with a degree in Biology or Forest and Nature Management.
• Experience conducting (field) research on Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscapes is required.
• Knowledge of the Natura 2000 research and policy field, as well as abiotics, is a plus.
• Experience in project management and working in a project-based manner is an advantage.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques, and experience with R and GIS, is highly recommended.
• A team player who is willing to look beyond their discipline and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills with excellent command of written and spoken Dutch, as well as good proficiency in English.

We offer you

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;
• 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 €3.234,- and €6.008,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). Additionally, a contract for 32 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 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. 

Coming from abroad
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a "knowledge migrant"

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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Nina Smits, Senior Researcher,�nina.smits@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Ine van't Land, corporate recruiter,�ine.vantland@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly 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 januari 6th. Applications are reviewed immediately, and we also conduct interviews directly with suitable candidates. So, it pays to respond quickly!

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.