Do you want to commit yourself to one of the world's leading sectors of agriculture; greenhouse horticulture? Do you think it is a challenge to contribute to the next steps of sustainability in this sector; optimal use of fertilizers that fits into a circular economy? Are you willing to work on new solutions together with growers, suppliers, governments and other researchers?

Are you our new plant nutrition researcher who likes to combine practical and theoretical work? In this position, you do applied research in the field of plant nutrition. You're dealing with:

• the effective and efficient use of minerals for optimal growth, production, product quality and crop health. Both in substrate cultivation and soil-bound crops and in close connection with the water supply of crops. We are looking for a minimum environmental impact and, where possible, we are thriving for a circular economy;
• the aspects of chemical water quality, in particular salinization;
• the development, testing and application of new and alternative fertilizers and developments in the field of fertilizer dosage;
• the (co)development of methods for nutrient monitoring (water, soil crop analyses) and feedback systems;
• contributing to the development of innovative more efficient and/or circular horticultural systems.

Your Business Unit and team
You work with experts in the field of cultivation, technology, substrate and plant health. You contribute to both sustainability of (greenhouse) horticulture in the Netherlands and in other parts of the world.

Wageningen University & Research, business unit Greenhouse horticulture is the internationally leading contract research institute for greenhouse horticulture. We focus on innovations in the greenhouse horticulture sector. On behalf of and together with industry, science and the government, questions about business management and cultivation are analyzed and translated into applied research and innovation pathways. WUR Greenhouse horticulture has more than 100 employees and four research teams at two locations (Wageningen and Bleiswijk). The function is part of the team crop health, soil and water, in which about 30 researchers are united

• researcher with specialization in plant nutrition, soil chemistry or horticulture;
• preferably possessing a PhD or similar work experience;
• network in (greenhouse) horticulture and/or bulb cultivation is recommended;
• experience with complex data processing and development of models is a pre;
• excellent control of both Dutch and English; in addition, knowledge of Arabic, Spanish or French is a pre;
• excellent writing and oral presentations, as evidenced by publication list;
• driving licence B;
• willingness to work abroad regularly if necessary.

We offer you a meaningful position with for a maximum of 36 hours per week initially for a period of one year with a possible extension to obtain a permanent position. A competitive salary, depending on your relevant experience scale 11 from a minimum of € 3.255,- to a maximum of € 5.057,- based on a 36 hours working week, in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for the Wageningen Research.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 171 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiatives within a learning environment. We offer versatile employment in an international setting with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 6,000 employees, and 12,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.