As a researcher, do you want to use your passion for plant cultivation in the greenhouse horticulture sector? Do you want to investigate how, with the help of the knowledge and all the possibilities that glasshouse horticulture offers, you can get everything out of the plant for a sustainable, advanced and realized glasshouse? Then we are looking for you at Wageningen Plant Research!

We are looking for a colleague who studies the responses of greenhouse crops to changing greenhouse climate, lighting and watering, who is interested in sensor technology to measure these changes, who can process the complex data sets and who knows how to translate this knowledge into innovative and autonomous cultivation strategies. You maintain contact with horticulturists and companies in the sector. As a result, you know what is going on and you can respond to questions that arise. You set up and set up research projects as a project leader.

As Researcher Crop Physiology you will be responsible for the following:

• You will acquire and execute projects in the field of greenhouse horticulture, aimed at designing new cultivation systems and optimization of existing cultivation systems.
• You will analyse data of experiments and field trials and translate the findings to science and improved practical cultivation systems.
• You will report the findings and communicate these to funding agencies and stakeholders.
• You will collaborate with colleagues active in the fields of crop growth models, big data and AI.
• You will maintain contact with clients, (local) governments, greenhouse suppliers, growers and other (international) knowledge institutions.

This position is part of the Physiology and Product Quality team, in which approximately 20 researchers work on all kinds of aspects of the quality and crop physiology of horticultural crops. Research is being conducted into the development of sustainable cultivation systems in greenhouses and vertical farms, and into various quality aspects in the chain. Experts in the field of crop physiology, experimental research, crop growth models, sensors and data work together in multidisciplinary projects.

• Academics working level, with an MSc or PhD in plant sciences, biology, or another relevant education;
• at least 5 years of research or working experience in greenhouse horticulture;
• profound knowledge of physiological processes such as photosynthesis and organ growth, interaction with greenhouse climate, and the technical design of cultivation systems, experience in experimentation and systems analysis;
• knowledge of statistics, languages such as Matlab and/or Python, and interest in big data and AI is an advantage;
• capable of working in projects, experience in leading projects;
• preferably experience in acquiring projects;
• fluent in Dutch and English;
• with a drivers licence B;
• an independent researcher, capable of solving problems, aimed at obtaining results and high-quality projects;
• an enthusiastic colleague with good communicative skills, team spirit, client oriented

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 € 2.949,- and € 5.479,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11).

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.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

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.

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!

Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs
The business unit Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs of Wageningen University & Research is the internationally leading research institute for greenhouse horticulture and flower bulbs. We focus on innovations in greenhouse horticulture. Together with the business community, government and other research institutes, we work on issues related to greenhouse design, optimization of production systems, new crops, crop protection and the quality of the harvested product. We translate this into innovations for the sector. In the Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs business unit, we work with 120 colleagues at two locations, Wageningen and Bleiswijk in the Netherlands.
Check our website for more information.

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