External DEC WUR member with expertise in veterinary medicine

The Animal Experiments Committee of Wageningen University and Research (DEC WUR) evaluates applications for permits to conduct animal experiments, often aimed at addressing scientific research questions related to (farm) animals or for educational purposes involving animals.

The committee assesses whether the importance of the proposed animal experiments or educational activities outweighs the discomfort experienced by the animals involved. In doing so, the committee makes an ethical judgment on whether or not to grant a permit, which is subsequently written as an advisory report addressed to the Central Committee for Animal Experiments. DEC WUR consists of dedicated members and primarily assesses applications submitted by researchers from Wageningen University and Research, as well as from external organizations. All DEC members are appointed in a personal capacity and act independently, without mandate or external instruction.

Due to the resignation of one of its members, the DEC WUR is seeking to appoint a new committee member as of (no later than) 1 July 2026, with the following profile:

• A scientific education and relevant professional experience in the field of veterinary medicine, preferably with practical experience as a farm animal veterinarian;
• An excellent command of the Dutch language is required. Dutch is the working language during DEC meetings, and all written communication is also conducted in Dutch.
• Affinity with complex scientific issues (agriculture and education) and ethical decision‑making;
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of animal experimentation and a commitment to the Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of animal experiments (the 3Rs);
• An active, independent, and careful contribution to meetings and advisory processes;
• No current employment relationship with WUR and not employed by WUR at any time during the past five years.

DEC WUR strives to be a diverse team, creating space for different skills, expertise, and social and cultural backgrounds.

Please note that this is NOT a regular vacancy covered by any of the collective labour agreements of Wageningen University & Research. The new DEC member will not be employed by Wageningen University & Research.

• The DEC meets once a month on Monday mornings (until 14:00), alternating between Wageningen and Lelystad, and occasionally twice per month;
• Reviewing applications requires approximately two half‑days per month, including preparation, the meeting itself, and advisory work (depending on the number of dossiers);
• A fixed remuneration is provided for the activities;
• The appointment is in principle for a period of five years, with the possibility of a one‑time reappointment for an additional five years.

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 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 the video below 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.