Applied researcher roughage and grazing

As a researcher in roughage and grazing, you will work closely with your colleagues in the Animal Nutrition department to ensure the smooth execution of applied research projects. You will contribute ideas to project design in collaboration with partner companies and governmental bodies. You’ll be responsible for organising the practical execution of research and contribute to the analysis and interpretation of results — all in collaboration with colleagues within and outside the department.

What might your week look like?
You will work on a variety of projects with different colleagues, meaning no two days are the same. While we work primarily from our office in Wageningen, we offer excellent remote working options, and depending on the season, you will also be out in the field or involved in hands-on practical projects. Projects you may contribute to include Cow & Protein and/or follow-up work on Forage, Soil, and Circular Agriculture.

Your key tasks and responsibilities as a researcher may include:

• Conducting field measurements and coordinating with staff at the innovation centre De Marke;
• Meeting with a farmer study group to discuss results from a practical trial;
• Processing data from grazing research conducted at Dairy Campus;
• Collaborating with colleagues from Wageningen Plant Research on joint projects;
• Preparing for and attending project meetings with clients.

Your Team
The Animal Nutrition department of Wageningen Livestock Research is made up of an enthusiastic team of around 40 colleagues working on innovation, research, and knowledge exchange in livestock farming. We work in collaborative teams to make the most of everyone’s expertise, as many themes are interdisciplinary in nature. In doing so, we contribute to the major challenges facing future-proof livestock farming: circular agriculture, efficient nitrogen use, climate-neutral production — all in balance with animal health and welfare.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a university of applied sciences (HBO) researcher with a background in dairy farming and forage production.

You are a results-driven, hands-on researcher with a solid understanding of the dairy sector and an interest in forage management. You are eager to apply your knowledge of crop production to sustainable livestock systems and enjoy translating this knowledge into practice. You are well-organised and thrive when contributing to a shared team goal.

You will strengthen our team if you:

• Hold a relevant higher professional education (HBO) degree (e.g., livestock farming, arable farming, applied biology);
• Have an interest in applied research with a scientific foundation, focusing on grass, maize, grazing, forage production and biodiversity;
• Have a good command of both Dutch and English.

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 €3.070 and €4.734 for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8 - 9). Additionally, a contract for 28 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.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad
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”.

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.

For more information about the position, please contact Roselinde Goselink (roselinde.goselink@wur.nl) and/or Bert Philipsen (bert.philipsen@wur.nl).

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until May 25th 2025

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.