Are you looking for a meaningful job as a (junior) researcher and are you passionate about the research area of ecological genetics? Our team Animal Ecology (AE) at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) is hiring a hardworking and committed (junior) researcher molecular ecology.

Our Ecological Genetics Laboratory uses a wide range of DNA-based tools for answering applied ecological questions related to conservation and management of biodiversity. Besides studying the (genetic) viability of wild populations, we focus on methods to assess patterns in biodiversity across natural and agricultural ecosystems in present and past. We seek to maximize the use of non-invasive sample types (e.g. faeces, egg shells, buccal swabs, timber, biofilms), gaining valuable information from these challenging samples that typically contain low amounts of degraded DNA. We are increasingly specialized in and equipped for analyses based on environmental DNA (eDNA from soil, water or air samples) as well as ancient DNA (aDNA from archaeological contexts).

To fortify this line of research, we are hiring an academic researcher with a passion for molecular ecology. A candidate should be familiar with modern workflows for eDNA analysis based on high-throughput sequencing (HTS; metabarcoding, metagenomics), specializing in bioinformatic analysis of HTS datasets. Besides performing bioinformatic and statistical data analysis , you will use your knowledge of the opportunities and challenges of eDNA and aDNA to plan and coordinate genetic laboratory work within wider multidisciplinary projects, and to acquire and coordinate your own dedicated genetically oriented projects.

• An academic level of working and thinking. MSc or PhD in molecular ecology (preferred), biology, biotechnology or forensic science.
• Acquaintance with the required conditions and protocols for sampling, storage and lab analysis of environmental DNA and/or ancient DNA
• Demonstrated experience with eDNA metabarcoding and/or metagenomics workflows, including methods for DNA extraction, PCR amplification, NGS library preparation and high-throughput sequencing (Illumina, Nanopore)
• Demonstrated expertise with standard bioinformatic pipelines for analysis of high-throughput sequencing data (e.g. DADA2, Qiime and/or OBItools), with sufficient flexibility to explore and implement future alternatives.
• Programming experience in R and Python, and experience with running (parallel) jobs on computer clusters.
• Familiarity with population genetic laboratory and statistical analyses based on SSR and SNP markers is an advantage
• Well-developed communication skills and enthusiasm to be part of multidisciplinary project teams
• Client oriented mind and eager to do contract research
• Demonstrated experience in project management and acquisition is a plus

A challenging and international work environment that is characterized by the collaboration with Wageningen University and hardworking professionals who perform in multidisciplinary teams.
We offer excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 December bonus of 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 €2.790,- and €5.183,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 or 11). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. The contract will initially be for one year, but a permanent position can be offered subject to a successful evaluation during the first year.

We encourage internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the #1 university and research center 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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Nine specialized 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, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, it is one of the leading organizations in its domain worldwide. A coordinated approach to problems and the cooperation between various subject areas are at the heart of the outstanding approach of Wageningen. Do you want to get involved? We will give you that opportunity. Besides, Wageningen has the greenest and most sustainable campus in the world.

The team Animal Ecology consists of around twenty researchers and laboratory- and field employees in the area of zoology of mammals, ornithology, entomology, soil ecology and ecological genetics. We are doing work commissioned by government authorities, land management bodies, NGOs, companies and also research supported by national and international scientific funding. We carry out high-quality, independent ecological research, directed towards the protection and the management of wild fauna. Via applied research we want to make our knowledge and expertise available to sustain the quality of our (natural) living environment, now and in the future. We differentiate ourselves in this through a combination of desk studies, empirical research and specialized laboratories.