As a junior researcher, you will work on the research project Verborgen verhalen uit het Veen (‘Hidden Stories from the Bog’), which focuses on the cultural history of Dutch raised bog landscapes. Within this citizen science project, you will collaborate with nature managers, local residents, and various other stakeholders to create an inventory of the unique cultural history of a raised bog landscape. The broader goal of the project is to build bridges between nature management and heritage management. Please be aware that a good command of the Dutch language is mandatory for this position.
Within our team, two junior researchers will be appointed. Each will be responsible for research on one of the two raised bog areas central to the project: the Fochteloërveen or the Korenburgerveen. You will be appointed for a six-month research position.
Your tasks and responsibilities as a junior researcher:
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Creating a website and GIS environment
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Establishing local contacts and organizing kickoff meetings
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Collecting data through literature research, interviews, and focus groups
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Processing data and contributing to writing a public-oriented booklet
You will work within the research team of Verborgen verhalen uit het Veen. The core team is led by landscape archaeologist Dr. Roy van Beek and, in addition to the two junior researchers, consists of representatives from Natuurmonumenten and the Stichting Marke Vragenderveen (SMVV). The two junior researchers will work closely together.
You will be appointed for six months at Wageningen University. One junior researcher will be embedded in the Cultural Geography Group (GEO), and the other in the Soil Geography and Landscape Group (SGL). Your base location will be Wageningen, and you will also regularly travel to the raised bog landscape you are studying.
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You have recently graduated (or are about to graduate) in archaeology, landscape history, heritage studies, or a related field. You are interested in landscape archaeology, historical geography, and citizen science, and are eager to further develop in this area
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You like to think beyond the boundaries of your own discipline
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You have a good command of Dutch
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You have experience with GIS analysis
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Experience with citizen science and conducting interviews is a plus, but not required
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Since you will also work in remote areas, a driver’s license (B) is an advantage
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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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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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. Depending on your experience, we offer a gross salary of between €3.708,- and €5.057,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 9). This position is for 0.8 FTE; a (temporary) reduction in working hours is negotiable. We offer you a temporary contract for the duration of 6 months.
If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. 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.
Due to Dutch immigration laws, candidates from outside the EU/EFTA zone, can usually not be hired for this position. More information can be found on the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service.
For more information about the position, please contact Roy van Beek, Associate professor Landscape Archaeology, [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jessa Rozema, corporate recruiter, via [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 Friday 17 July 2026. The first interviews are scheduled in the week of 20-24 July. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 29 June 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date. So don't wait to apply!
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.
