Are you a researcher with a proven track record in acquiring, developing, and executing applied scientific research projects? Do you have experience with sustainable (biobased) plastics and an established R&D network within industry? At Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), we are looking for an experienced researcher/project leader to strengthen our Sustainable Plastics team.
What will you do?
As a Senior Researcher / Project Leader, you will be responsible for the further development of the Sustainable Plastics research domain within WFBR.
This includes:
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working from a clear vision and guiding colleagues in the execution of applied scientific research in the field of biobased and circular plastics;
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leading multidisciplinary, multi-partner research projects, managing internal teams of researchers while maintaining close contact with external project partners and clients;
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analysing research results and translating them into reports, presentations, scientific publications, and conference contributions;
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continuously keeping up to date with the latest developments in the processing and product properties of biobased and circular plastic products, as well as their relationship with intended end-of-life scenarios. You are able to translate this knowledge into practical applications (e.g. packaging, agricultural plastics, textiles), while taking relevant legislation and regulations into account;
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building and maintaining an effective national and international network and leveraging this network to acquire new research projects and collaborations;
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contributing to the external visibility of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research in the field of circular and biobased materials, for example through publications in trade journals and participation in societal debates.
The position consists of approximately two-thirds research and one-third project leadership and business development. You act as a sparring partner and source of expertise for colleagues and actively contribute to the joint development of research and innovation.
Your workplace
You have:
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an academic degree (MSc or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with domain expertise in biobased polymer processing and product development. Broader knowledge of the sustainable plastics field (e.g. recycling, relevant legislation and regulations) is considered an advantage;
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a proven track record in an industrial or applied R&D environment;
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experience in initiating, acquiring, executing, and managing complex applied scientific research projects.
As a person, you demonstrate leadership, credibility, and persuasiveness. You are committed to quality and enjoy working collaboratively within a team. Looking ahead, you have the ambition to become a leading scientist in the field of circular and biobased plastics technology.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C2. If you don’t speak Dutch, we expect the willingness to learn Dutch. Of course we will help you with this.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
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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 €4929,- and €7068,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 12). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours a week can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
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.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
For more information about the position, please contact Ben Langelaan, R&D Manager Sustainable chemistry and technology, by telephone: +31 317 484 382 or by e-mail: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including August 3rd 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 28th of June 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
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.
