Position of Plankton Laboratory Technician

Your job

As a laboratory technician, you will process plankton samples in the laboratory that have been collected during surveys at sea. These samples consist of fish eggs, larvae and fish gonads (reproductive organs). You will accurately record the results of these analyses in data templates and specific software applications.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a plankton laboratory technician include:

• sorting and analysing samples using microscopy and image analysis techniques;
• preparing histological sections;
• documenting and entering data and processing results.

Team and location

You will work alongside approximately four colleagues in a close and dedicated research team at Wageningen Marine Research based in IJmuiden. Together with this group of specialists, you will contribute to the successful delivery of a wide range of projects.

Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is one of the nine research institutes that form part of Wageningen Research. WMR is a leading independent research institute with locations in IJmuiden, Den Helder and Yerseke, specialising in both strategic and applied marine ecological research. Its products and services are delivered through projects and cover a broad range of activities, including field studies, experiments at realistic scales, exploratory laboratory studies, data management and modelling.

Your qualities

You are able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently. You work accurately and carefully, enabling you to handle samples and data reliably within our laboratory environment.

In addition, you have:

• a completed MBO level 4 qualification or equivalent vocational qualification. Candidates with an academic background will not be considered for this position;
• an interest in working with the smallest organisms found in the marine environment;
• demonstrable affinity with microscopy work;
• proficiency in the Dutch language (minimum level B2);
• laboratory experience and a basic proficiency of the English language (A2 level) are considered an advantage.

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;
• 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 € 2,884.- and € 3,554.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 5). Additionally, for this role a contract for 24 to 36 hours can be discussed. We initially offer a one-year contract.

If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. 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.

You work in an international and open working environment.

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.

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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Ewout Blom, senior Plankton specialist, via email: ewout.blom@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: dax.teunissen@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 Sunday September 20, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 29, 2026.

Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.

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.