Your job
Do you want to make a meaningful contribution as a researcher in a dynamic, innovative, and practice-oriented agricultural research environment?
The Open Field Crops business unit in Lelystad at Wageningen University & Research has an exciting position for you! We look forward to connecting with you.
As a Researcher, you will work on key projects within the Farm Systems and Soil Quality team of our Open Field Crops business unit, focusing on the North-East Netherlands. You will be involved in a broad range of projects aimed at innovation, primarily in arable farming and open-field vegetable production. These projects require objective scientific input, combined with the translation of research into practical applications.
We work on both short-term solutions in close collaboration with the field through practical networks, and system-level research, where new approaches are developed to achieve sustainable outcomes.
What will you do?
- Collaborate with the team to develop innovations for sustainable production systems and soil quality in arable farming and open-field vegetable cultivation.
- Apply an integrated approach that respects people, nature, and the environment.
- Develop and design new research projects in consultation with the team.
- Set up, execute, and analyze research.
- Lead various projects, ensuring progress and quality.
- Work with communication advisors to share results and build support among farmers, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with farmers and companies in innovative cropping systems, such as strip cropping and agroforestry.
- Present research results to clients, trade media, and in scientific reports and publications.
About the Farm Systems and Soil Quality TeamYou will work with 26 experts in various fields, including soil, water, organic matter, fertilisation, farm systems, and agroecology, focusing on innovations in open-field crops. Together with government, industry, and farmers, we develop solutions for both the short and long term. Our integrated approach to soil management, fertilisation, crop health, and cultivation measures provides practical solutions for the sector.
Within the business unit, we collaborate with other teams addressing related challenges, such as crop health and socio-economic aspects. Examples of our collaborations include
PPS Fertilisation Advice for Future-Oriented Arable Farming, the
Farm of the Future, and
strip cropping initiatives.
Your qualities
We would like to hear from you if you recognise yourself in the following aspects of the profile for this position:
- You have a conceptual level of thinking and working, preferably with experience in innovative, future-oriented production systems.
- You are a creative, analytical team player with a proactive attitude and a results-oriented approach.
- You have a broad knowledge of arable farming and open-field vegetable cultivation; knowledge of data processing and statistical analysis is a plus.
- You have knowledge of and interest in the relationships between soil, ecology, climate, fertilisation, and crop growth.
- You are willing to broaden your expertise and take courses to further develop your personal skills.
- You have a good command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written. For this position, a C1 level of English is desired.
You can see there are plenty of challenges and opportunities for development in this role. So even if you don’t yet have the full track record described in the vacancy but do have solid relevant work experience, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Are you interested in this position but looking for a research role instead? Take a look at our
Practical Specialist – Cropping Systems and Soil vacancy.
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 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 8-10). If the candidate has no prior experience, we apply starting scale 9 .Additionally, For this role a contract for 24 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.
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 “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.Do you want more information?
For more information about the position, please contact Janjo de Haan, senior researcher, telephone
+31(0) 320-291211 e-mail janjo.dehaan@wur.nl or John Verhoeven, Teamleader, telephone +31(0)320-291349 email john.verhoeven@wur.nl).
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via ine.vantland@wur.nl.
Examples of projects you will be working on: Farm of the Future, Arable Farming for Water Quality, and SoilCrates.
Interested in applying?
Click the apply button on the vacancy page on our website. Only applications submitted via our website will be considered.
Don’t wait too long to apply! If we receive strong applications before the closing date, we will start scheduling interviews right away. This means the vacancy may close earlier if we find a suitable candidate before the deadline.
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’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
