Information on the position
Would you like to contribute to the competitiveness of the horticultural value chain (vegetables, fruits and flowers), by promoting data sciences and the use of crop growth models that are based on physiological understanding? Are you capable of realizing and executing multidisciplinary projects? Do enjoy connecting with internal and external project partners in the horticultural sector? Then Wageningen Plant Research is looking for you!

We develop and use 2D explanatory and 3D FSMP models of horticultural crops to contribute to the innovation of the horticultural sector. We use models to analyse experimental data, to support the use of intelligent sensors and development of data-driven or autonomous cultivation systems, to design resource efficient cultivation systems, and to support growers in their management decisions. We closely cooperate with other researchers, supply companies, breeders and growers.
As Senior Researcher Crop Modelling you will, among others:

• Be involved in the digitization of the horticultural sector;
• Acquire and lead research projects on data sciences for the horticultural value chain, e.g. by developing and applying crop models;
• Innovate together with growers and with technology, trade and breeding companies in the horticultural value chain.

You collaborate in the team of Physiology and Product Quality with our physiologists, and with other specialists from other teams. Important research topics of the team include the understanding of environmental factors on crop physiology; data and AI driven control of plant growth and quality; the development of sustainable, energy efficient and circular production systems that connect with the value chain from breeder to consumer; and determining various quality aspects in the chain.

• MSc or PhD in, for example, plant science, applied biology, data sciences or bioinformatics;
• Significant and relevant professional experience in crop modelling;
• Preferably acquainted with the (protected) horticulture value chain;
• Capable to develop and implement an innovative vision on the digitization of the horticultural sector;
• Experience with networking and acquisition of large and complex projects in which private and public stakeholders collaborate;
• Organisational capabilities, such as guidance of colleagues and project management of large (international) research projects;
• Affinity with working in a contract research organization;
• Good communication skills, capacity to operate in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Good command of the Dutch and English language;
• Hold a valid driver’s licence for category B;

You will notice that there are sufficient challenges, which you can also consider development opportunities. Therefore, if you do not yet possess the requested track record, but do have solid work experience, we invite you to apply.

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, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 monthly gross salary of max € 6.522,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 12). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed.

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.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 18th consecutive time.

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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs
internationally leading contract research institute for greenhouse horticulture. We focus on innovations in the greenhouse horticulture sector. Together with industry, science and government, questions on greenhouse design, crop management and cultivation are analyzed and translated into application-oriented research and innovation processes. The business unit Greenhouse Horticulture has about 160 employees and six research teams:

• Physiology and product quality
• Crop management
• Crop protection
• Greenhouse technology
• Greenhouse automation and robotics
• Root zone dynamics

For more information watch our video.

These are the points our employees list as good reasons to come work at WUR: read the 5 reasons to come work at WUR

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.