As Specialist Ecological Models, you will work in a team of theoretical ecologists based in IJmuiden. In our team, we develop and analyse models for a wide range of applied research questions. For example, we work on the effects of offshore wind farms on seabird populations, the interaction between fisheries, fish and the rest of the marine ecosystem, the effects of Marine Protected Areas on fish and fisheries, and the effects of shellfish and seaweed farming at sea.

We conduct our research within the team and with other colleagues. We work many projects simultaneously, and responsibilities are divided according to capacity and personal interests. Contacts with clients and other stakeholders are an integral part of our work.

Your main tasks and responsibilities will be:

• Development and analysis of dynamic ecological models for research and policy advice;
• Carrying out statistical analysis to support and validate these models;
• Co-writing reports for clients;
• Participating in the acquisition and implementation of new research assignments;
• Publishing and presenting own research in scientific journals and at conferences

The expectations of a successful candidate are that you are eager to apply your expertise to our research assignments. Are you entrepreneurial, does project-based work appeal to you and do you work well in a team? Then this position might be for you!

Our ideal candidate

• Has a completed academic training as an ecologist with experience in dynamic modelling, population dynamics, food web dynamics, ecosystem dynamics, trait-based food web/ecosystem approaches and/or the development of biodiversity and food web indicators. A completed PhD in this field is a plus;
• Has an interest in marine ecology and the interaction between ecology and human activities;
• Has experience in dealing with large datasets & statistics;
• Has programming experience. Knowledge of R, C and/or phyton is strongly preferred;
• Is critical but also flexible;
• Can handle time pressure and plan work around deadlines;
• Recognizes the following competences: initiative-rich, focused on cooperation, customer-oriented, result-oriented and communicatively strong;
• Has a level of communication skills in English of C1 or better.

Is this you? Then we would like to invite you to apply. Even if you do not have the full track-record (yet).

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 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a market-based salary of up to € 5.035,- for a full working week of 36 hours in accordance with CAO Wageningen Research (Hay profile WO Researcher 4/ scale 10, additional group position). Because the CAO parties have reached an agreement, salaries will increase by 4.7% as of 1 August.

The successful candidate will be employed on a temporary contract which is extended annually, depending on the availability of relevant research projects and performance. We aim for a longer employment within the legal terms: Current legislation allows for a maximum of 3 years or 3 contracts.

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.

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. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & 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 (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

You will work here
Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading marine ecological research institute employing approximately 190 people. We do our work from three locations: IJmuiden, Den Helder and Yerseke. WMR works on field research, theoretical research, experimental research, data management and modelling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. WMR is an organizational unit of Wageningen University & Research. Would you like more information about Wageningen Marine Research? View our website.

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