Are you fascinated by the possibilities that natural processes offer as basis for a climate proof future and a healthy and biodiverse environment? Would you, as a climate researcher with a strong ecology profile, like to contribute to advancing knowledge and supporting action related to climate resilience, biodiversity, water and food security? Then you could be the ideal candidate to strengthen the Climate Resilience team at Wageningen Environmental Research!
Your tasks
Your tasks as a nature-based adaptation researcher with a strong ecology profile will include:
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Assessing the consequences of climate change on ecosystems
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Assessing the effects of nature-based adaptation & mitigation interventions on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and water management
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Co-creating resilient urban and rural landscapes in which societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity and water safety & quality are addressed in an integrated way
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Supporting the scaling of nature-based adaptation and mitigation strategies in collaboration with local and regional stakeholders
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Working in applied-research projects in Dutch and international contexts
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Performing research tasks, project management and acquisition
You will work in complex governance settings in which different public and private parties play a crucial role. The work process is demand-driven and has a scientific basis.
Your qualities
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A completed academic degree in ecology, climate science, earth systems science or related domains
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Strong analytical skills: you are a systems thinker capable of analyzing complex issues in a systemic manner integrating knowledge from different domains including climate change, ecology, water and soils
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You can translate conceptual knowledge into practice and vice versa.
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Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods (GIS, analysis of habitat functioning, analysis of ecosystem services, greenhouse gas emissions assessments)
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A positive, collaborative, and curious team player who is interested in people and possesses strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English (C1 level). Fluency in Dutch is essential for this role, as it is fundamental to performing the job effectively and ensuring clear communication.
Your team
You will work within the team Climate Resilience. We conduct project-based applied research on nature-based solutions to mitigate climate related risks in regions and sectors. We aim to increase resilience in both urban and rural landscapes for which we make use of climate services (Research Institute Wageningen Environmental Research | Wageningen University & Research)
Additionally, you will actively contribute to the strategic programme Green Climate Solutions and participate in a broad network working in this field both within Wageningen University & Research and beyond.
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A completed academic degree in ecology, climate science, earth systems science or related domains
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Strong analytical skills: you are a systems thinker capable of analyzing complex issues in a systemic manner integrating knowledge from different domains including climate change, ecology, water and soils
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You can translate conceptual knowledge into practice and vice versa.
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Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods (GIS,analysis of habitat functioning, analysis of ecosystem services, greenhouse gas emissions assessments)
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A positive, collaborative, and curious team player who is interested in people and possesses strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English (C1 level).
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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The option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
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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 December 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 between €3.399,- and €6.228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). The appointment is for minimally 32 and maximally 36 hours per week. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended – if possible within (company) organizational circumstances – on good performance.
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.
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 Communitypage 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.
To learn more about this vacancy please contact Annemarie Groot, team leader Climate Resilience, [email protected]; tel: +31651716934
For questions about the procedure, you can contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge, corporate recruiter, [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 13 July 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 19 June 2026.
We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.
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.
