Head of Bacteriology Department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research

Connecting people, making decisions , driven by curiosity, and guided by a strong leadership vision — these are the qualities with which you will lead our newly established Bacteriology Department to the forefront of innovative and groundbreaking research. Your work will contribute significantly to both animal and public health, and shape the future of veterinary diagnostics.

At Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), we are committed to creating a world in which animals and humans live together in good health. Diagnostics and research are central pillars of our work. We serve governments, the veterinary and biomedical sectors, nationally and internationally.

As Head of Department, you will be closely involved in research into the causes of animal diseases and the factors that contribute to their prevention and control. This role offers you the opportunity to guide your team in conducting and translating cutting-edge bacteriological research into practical applications for veterinary diagnostics.

As Head of the Bacteriology Department, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the expertise required for future-oriented diagnostics and prevention of bacterial (animal) diseases
• Contribute actively to the establishment and structuring the (new) department within WBVR
• Encourage and facilitate the professional and personal growth of your team members
• Be responsible for the department’s vision and the scientific quality of its research
• Act as a connector within your department, the wider institute, and serve as a bridge to society and relevant stakeholders
• Manage the departmental budget and be a member of the management team at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research

Your Team
You will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated management team that works with you to define the strategic direction of WBVR. WBVR is the place where your work makes a real impact — on the health of animals, people, and their environment.

Through your leadership, you will guide a team of approximately 30 employees. You will foster a positive working atmosphere, encourage effective collaboration, and build an ambitious and forward-thinking team.

Do you thrive in leading a team of highly skilled researchers and analysts? Then we would be delighted to meet you!

• A keen eye for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and a results-driven mindset;
• Proven experience in comprehensive leadership of teams or departments of a similar size, with excellent management skills;
• An entrepreneurial attitude and the ability to bridge departments and areas of expertise
• At minimum, an academic degree in life sciences or veterinary medicine, combined with at least 5 years of experience in scientific research;
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in a research environment;
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; you are able to strongly motivate your team members, foster collaboration within the department, and initiate new partnerships both internally and externally;
• Vision, decisiveness, and a proactive attitude;
• And of course, a genuine passion for the field of veterinary bacteriology.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.

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;
• 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 €5.042,- and €8.390,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 13 - 14). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

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’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

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