Crop Health Research Assistant

As a Crop Health Research Assistant, you will directly contribute to solving crop protection issues in arable farming and field vegetable cultivation. You will be primarily responsible for preparing and carrying out research tasks. You are alert to spotting and quantifying deviations in crops and cultivation conditions, and you are capable of working accurately and according to fixed protocols.

During the growing season, you will conduct various observations and measurements of diseases, pests, and weeds, and ensure that the collected data is entered into automated files. You will mostly work in Lelystad at our test farm where most of the trials are conducted, and occasionally perform observations in the region at trial sites. After the growing season, you will contribute to data analysis, report writing, and help with the creation and updating of protocols.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a research assistant are:

• Observing diseases, pests, and weeds across a range of crops according to protocol.
• Entering the collected data into automated systems.
• Contributing to the initial analysis of the data and assisting in the report writing process.

The Team:
You will work in the Crop Health research team, which consists of 24 colleagues focused on finding sustainable solutions for crop protection issues in arable farming and field vegetable cultivation. We are working on developing integrated crop protection systems using warning and monitoring techniques, cultural practices, biological control, and a balanced application of chemicals. By combining these strategies in new and existing cropping systems, we offer solutions for managing fungal diseases, nematodes, insect pests, and weeds. Within the team, you will work closely with a group of 5 other research assistants.

You are independent, accurate, and quality-conscious, making you well-suited to work in a market-oriented and business-like environment. You have excellent social skills and a flexible, team-oriented attitude.

You also have:

• At least a completed MBO or HBO education in a green field, such as Horticulture, Agriculture, or relevant work experience in this area.
• Practical knowledge of arable and/or horticultural farming. Experience with trial implementation is a plus.
• A pesticide application license, or a willingness to obtain one.
• Knowledge of diseases, pests, and weeds.
• Availability during busy periods and a willingness to go the extra mile during the growing season.

You will find plenty of challenges in this position, which can also be seen as development opportunities. We encourage candidates with solid work experience to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

About the Workplace:
The ‘Crop Health’ team is part of the Open Field Crops business unit at Wageningen Research. People in this business unit work on the development of new strategies in areas such as crop techniques and plant protection for arable farmers, horticulturists, suppliers and customers in the agro-industry, government agencies, and societal organizations. Around 200 people work in this business unit. The research is carried out at the central location in Lelystad and at regional research sites (Vredepeel, Valthermond, and Westmaas). More information about the work of the Crop Health team can be found on this webpage:
https://www.wur.nl/nl/onderzoek-resultaten/dossiers/dossier/integrated-crop-management-icm.htm

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 “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

When it comes to employment conditions, you’re in good hands at Wageningen University & Research. Some highlights from our collective labor agreement (CAO) include:

• Work hours that can be arranged in consultation to allow for an optimal work-life balance.
• The possibility to accumulate extra compensation hours by working more.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave.
• Strong focus on vitality, with access to on-campus sports facilities at an attractive rate.
• A structural year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Excellent pension plan via ABP.

In addition to these excellent secondary benefits, we also offer a competitive salary based on your experience. This ranges from a minimum of € 2,671 to a maximum of € 3,719 per full-time workweek of 36 hours, according to the Wageningen Research CAO (scale 6-7). A part-time appointment of 25 hours per week is also possible. For your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract, which may be extended based on performance, subject to (economic) organizational circumstances. We would be happy to discuss this further if you have any questions.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal mobility and growth with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we offer excellent training opportunities. You will have a varied job 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.

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.

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 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.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

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