Researcher position in Biodiversity and Policy

Your job

Would you, as a Researcher Ecology like to contribute to advancing knowledge regarding urgent societal challenges related to landscape and biodiversity? Do you have in-depth expertise in (Dutch) flora and fauna and enjoy conducting applied scientific research within a project-based organization? If so, we want to hear from you!

Within the Biodiversity and Policy (BP) team of Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) we are looking for a new colleague. As an ecologist you will perform applied and policy relevant research focusing on monitoring, modelling, protecting, and restoring biodiversity in (agricultural) landscapes and protected areas both nationally and internationally.

Here are the links that give you an idea of the projects we are working on:

https://research.wur.nl/en/projects/restore-connect-restoring-connectivity-and-landscape-coherence-kb/

rapport-basiskwaliteit-natuur-bebouwde-omgeving.pdf

Model for Nature Policy 2024: Automatische validatie, modellering habitattypen, abiotische gebiedskwaliteit, abiotische knelpuntanalyse, nieuwe grenswaarden stikstof – Wageningen University & Research

Your duties and responsibilities include:

carrying out research, process and interpret research results within project frameworks, and write publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles and Dutch reports and articles

Designing and coordinating (field) research on (Dutch) flora and fauna, landscapes, and forms of agricultural management.

Working in a project organization as a project leader in inter- and transdisciplinary research.

Translating science based research on ecological knowledge into policy

You will work here

Your home-base will be the team Biodiversity & Policy of WENR based at the Wageningen Campus of Wageningen University & Research, and you will also collaborate intensively with colleagues in other teams at WENR as well as with researchers in other research institutes in the Netherlands and internationally.

You will be working in an enthusiastic multi-discipline team of about 30 colleagues working on research projects related to biodiversity conservation and restoration in a broad-spectrum: societal research related to transformative change to landscape ecology research or research of biodiversity in various ecosystems.

By joining you will have the opportunity to be involved in wider projects working alongside a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this important work forward.

Your qualities

An MSc or PhD in Biology, Conservation ecology, Forest and Nature Management, or similar

Experience in statistical analyses of ecological data

Experience with programming in R or Python

Dependable, pro-active and self-motivated

Proven oral and written communication skills in Dutch (C1 level) and English (C1 level)

We offer

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 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. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.399,- and €6.228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 – 11). Additionally, For this role 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.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

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.

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 Communitypage 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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Joke de Jong, Teamlead, joke.dejong@wur.nl

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@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 up to and including 25 May 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 1 May 2026.

We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.

Procedure

As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure