Are you interested in the application of genetics in ecological issues? Do you enjoy working in several simultaneous projects and working together in a dynamic team? Are you handy, careful, communicative and stress resistant? Then continue reading!

As a (medior) research assistant in molecular ecology, your main task is to independently set up and perform molecular biology laboratory analyses for population genetics and genomic research. This usually concerns analysis on samples of low quality and quantity (non-invasive animal samples, environmental and possibly ancient DNA), and takes place in our specially equipped laboratory rooms. Additional tasks are in the field of eDNA metabarcoding.

The Animal Ecology team consists of twenty-five researchers, laboratory and field staff specialized in mammalian, bird, insect, reptile/amphibious zoology, soil ecology and ecological genetics. From DNA to landscape scale, we analyse ecological processes and relationships between species and their interactions with environmental and management variables. We carry out work for governments, land managers, NGOs, companies and research supported by national and international scientific funding. We conduct high-quality, independent research aimed at the protection and management of wild fauna. Through applied research we make our knowledge and expertise available to maintain the quality of our (natural) living environment, now and in the future. We distinguish ourselves in this respect through a combination of desk studies, empirical research and specialized laboratories, including our Laboratory for Ecological Genetics.

We use our population genetics research to understand the dynamics and distribution patterns of European animal species, to protect vulnerable species ('conservation genetics'), to reduce human-wildlife conflict and to timely signal the spread of disease by wildlife ('pandemic preparedness'). Examples of recent research species include the otter, wolf, muskrat, moor frog and smooth snake.

• A bachelor's degree in molecular biological (laboratory) research (Molecular Biology, Molecular Life Sciences or equivalent), or animal sciences with a molecular focus.
• Experience with DNA extraction methods for invasive samples (tissue) and preferably also non-invasive samples (e.g. faeces, hair and 'buccal swabs').
• Experience in designing and executing PCR amplification protocols for microsatellite (SSR) analysis, and scoring of microsatellite allele patterns
• Preferably experience with DNA processing for SNP analysis, whole genome sequencing and/or genotyping by sequencing.
• Experience with protocols for sequence analysis (PCR and sequence alignment for DNA barcoding), nanopore sequencing (minION) and quantitative PCR (qPCR or ddPCR) is an advantage.
• Team player with good communication and organizational skills. Proactive, flexible, stress resistant, quality conscious. Affinity with ecological research.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December bonus of 4%;
• 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 € 2.800 and € 4.317 for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8-9).

Wageningen University & Research encourages 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 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. 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.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University and 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, 7.200 employees and 13.200 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video 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.