A marine ecosystem acoustics scientist who can actively apply (innovative) underwater acoustic monitoring (passive and/or active) techniques and contribute to sustainable resource exploitation in balance with the marine ecosystem. We at Wageningen Marine Research at location IJmuiden have an interesting opportunity for you!

• How does increased anthropogenic noise impact marine life?
• Do offshore renewable energy installations affect species distributions and cetaceans?
• How can we manage fisheries so that the maximum sustainable yield wilt be achieved?
• How can we use acoustic data collected by fishermen to improve ecosystem understanding?
• Can acoustic techniques contribute to more selective fishing?
• Can we improve knowledge on marine habitats by using acoustic data?

Field of research
Underwater acoustic monitoring (passive and active) is an important field of research at Wageningen Marine Research. It provides monitoring observations of certain marine ecosystem components, from marine mammals, fish and plankton resources to seabed habitat types. The acoustic monitoring work undertaken at Wageningen Marine Research span a wide range of applied research (e.g. in Offshore wind farms) and statutory tasks.

The results of this research are used for marine mammal conservation, advising fishermen with regard to selective fishing, for stock assessment and ecological advise with regard to the protection of marine ecosystems.

Wageningen Marine Research works closely with private companies, policy makers and other stakeholders when carrying out this research.

The expectations of a successful candidate are that you:

• will analyse data from acoustic ecosystem monitoring projects and report on them.
• will in some cases lead (small) research projects or contribute to the coordination of relevant projects.
• take part in the policy advice process.
• work with private industry and other stakeholders
• attend relevant international expert fora (particularly within the context of ICES)
• contribute to the acquisition of new projects and funding
• (further) develop and apply acoustic monitoring solutions for private clients
• publish your research in peer reviewed scientific publications.

• An ambitious researcher with an academic qualification in acoustics, Biological Sciences, Mathematics or Engineering. A good quantitative background with training in statistics and/or mathematics is a must. Having a PhD will be appreciated.
• Having relevant work experience in acoustics, ocean engineering or applied mathematics and experience in running acoustic monitoring projects at sea, including experience in survey design, equipment calibration and data analysis is an advantage.
• Knowledge of a programming language such as R or MATLAB is essential.
• Strong analytical skills are required. You are familiar with spatial models and experienced in the analysis and evaluation of large datasets.
• You are a team player, but it is also important to be able to work independently and to take your own initiative.
• Your communication skills are well developed, you are a good networker and you are able to perform well in stressful situations.
• You are able to translate your applied research into peer reviewed publications and have experience in presenting scientific results, preparing reports and giving presentations.
• Willingness to work at sea is a requirement. You are flexible in your working hours as this job involves being away on research surveys at sea for up to several weeks per year as well as meetings abroad.
• Considering the close cooperation with the fishing industry you are expected to speak the Dutch language if you are not a native speaker. Your level of communication in English is C1.

When it comes to labour conditions Wageningen University & Research is well suited, few highlights:

• working hours that can be determined in consultation, so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible; partial working from home is possible;
• the possibility to build up extra holiday hours by working more, a maximum of 40 hours a week;
• sabbatical leave, study leave and paid parental leave;
• much attention is paid to vitality;
• a structural year-end bonus of 4%;
• excellent pension scheme through ABP;
• the option of partially paid parental leave;
• the possibility to work part-time.

These excellent fringe benefits also come with an appropriate salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a salary in line with the market up to a maximum of € 4.624. for a full working week of 36 hours in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement Wageningen Research (scale 10/Hay profile WR researcher 4). The location is IJmuiden. You will be employed by a payroll organization and get a contract for one year. If you are performing well and sufficient work is available withing your work field and the institute as a whole, extension of your contract is possible Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy.

There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment, we offer excellent training opportunities. You will get a versatile job with us 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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading, independent research institute that focuses on strategic and applied marine ecological research. The institute was established in 2006. Products and services are executed on a project basis (more than 400 research projects) and are diverse in nature: field research, experiments on a realistic scale, exploratory studies on lab scale, data management and modelling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified.

Wageningen Marine Research is an organisational part of Wageningen University and Research.