Soil Ecologist

Are you an enthusiastic soil ecologist who is keen on leading projects and eager to initiate and acquire research assignments? Do you have a proactive spirit and a desire to develop and lead impactful research efforts nationally and internationally? Are you interested in research collaborations with knowledge institutions, governments, nature management, and agriculture? If this describes you, then we are looking for you!

About the Sustainable Soil Use Team:
The Sustainable Soil Management team conducts research on soil quality, soil biology, nutrient use, climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and recycling of agricultural waste streams. Due to high demand for our soil biological research, we are seeking a soil ecologist with expertise in assessing the functioning of soil life and modelling.
In this role, you will:

• maintain strong relationships with clients and transform knowledge questions into applied research;
• contribute to, guide, and coordinate research, carrying it out in collaboration with the team and external research partners;
• translate research results into concrete advice and innovative solutions for clients and other stakeholders;
• publish in scientific journals and communicate complex information effectively to a broad audience;
• pursue alignment and collaboration within the team, the institute, and the broader WUR community, contributing to both the acquisition and the execution of research projects.

Requirements:

• you have an academic background and a minimum of a few years of work experience in the field of soil ecology; a PhD is considered a plus;
• you possess experience in research related to soil biota, soil biological indicators, and ecosystem functions, along with an understanding of, or a strong desire to learn to develop, models representing soil life and soil functioning;
• you have a proven track record of initiating innovative research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations;
• you are skilled in formulating, setting up, executing, and coordinating both national and international research projects;
• you are proficient in Dutch (or demonstrate a strong willingness to learn) and English, accompanied by excellent communication skills;
• you are proactive, collaborative, client-oriented and result-oriented, effectively anticipating and responding to stakeholder needs.

Salary Benefits:

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
• 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 €3,088,- and €5,737,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-12). Additionally, a contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended to an open-ended contract upon in mutual enthusiasm.

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.

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.

Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

36 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg