Researcher in Animal Behaviour and Poultry Health

Make a difference to animal welfare in livestock farming!
Are you an experienced researcher with expertise in animal behaviour and physiology who wants to contribute to animal welfare in a future-proof livestock sector? Then we are looking for you! We are seeking a dedicated professional who can take a proactive role in our research projects, particularly within the poultry sector. In a dynamic and often international environment, you will collaborate with various partners on innovative, practice-oriented research. Your work will lead to real-world improvements with societal impact.

As a researcher, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• (Contributing to) the development of research proposals and project plans, drawing on your knowledge and experience;
• Designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analysing data, and formulating conclusions and recommendations;
• Leading project teams and overseeing the practical implementation of projects;
• Writing scientific reports and publications;
• Presenting results to clients and other stakeholders and/or at (inter)national conferences.

Your Team
Animal health and welfareis one of the five research departments at Wageningen Livestock Research (WLR). Our team of around 45 highly motivated project leaders, researchers, research assistants, and PhD candidates is known for its expertise in animal welfare and behaviour, animal health, and resilience. Our focus is the health and welfare of animals within the broader context of sustainable livestock farming.
Our research centres on the needs of cattle, pigs, poultry, small ruminants, and fish, with the aim of contributing knowledge that supports both ethical and economically viable animal farming. We employ innovative technologies such as sensor technology, big data analysis, AI, and microbiomics. Most of our projects adopt a multidisciplinary approach.

You are a results-driven and enthusiastic researcher or project leader with expertise in animal behaviour and physiology. You possess the skills to solve (scientific) challenges in collaboration with colleagues and relevant stakeholders. You are proactive, solution-oriented, socially aware, and enjoy working towards shared results.

You also bring:

• Affinity with livestock farming and a willingness to develop expertise in the poultry sector;
• Strong organisational skills and experience in project management;
• The ability to work effectively in diverse scientific and multidisciplinary teams;
• A scientific track record with relevant publications, preferably a PhD;
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English.

In our international working environment, English is increasingly the language of communication. For this position, a C1 level of English is required. If you do not yet meet this level, we will of course support you with training through our language centre, Wageningen in’to Language.

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 €3.868,- and €6.831,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 - 11). 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
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 Petra Kock, petra.kock@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 June 1st, 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.