Do you enjoy building and testing innovative technical systems? Would you like to contribute to smarter and more sustainable fishing technology? Would you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research team of zoologists, engineers, and physicists? Are you excited by out-of-the-box thinking and solving complex engineering challenges? If so, this technician position could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Traditional flatfish fishing methods use heavy chains dragged across the seabed to catch fish. While effective, this method also causes high fuel consumption, seabed disturbance, and unwanted bycatch.
Together with Wageningen Marine Research and Delft University of Technology, we are developing new fishing technology that is more efficient and environmentally friendly. The project focuses on detecting flatfish in the seabed and using smart stimulation techniques to guide fish into the net more selectively.
As an Electro-Technical Research Technician, you will help design, build, test, and improve prototypes for next-generation fishing equipment. You will work closely with researchers, engineers, and technical specialists on both laboratory and field experiments.
Your duties and responsibilities:
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support the testing and troubleshooting of new fishing technology;
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assist with laboratory experiments and field tests;
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work with sensors, electrical components, and measurement equipment;
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record test results and technical documentation in a structured way;
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help improve prototype performance based on test results;
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collaborate with engineers and researchers from different technical disciplines;
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contribute to technical reports and project documentation.
You will join a team of researchers and technicians dedicated to studying fish behaviour and developing innovative fishing technologies. This team is part of the Experimental Zoology chair group at Wageningen University. The Experimental Zoology group investigates how animals move and function within complex natural environments. We take an interdisciplinary approach, combining physics, engineering, molecular techniques, and modelling within a quantitative systems framework. This integrated perspective enables us to generate fundamental insights and translate them into practical solutions for societal challenges such as reducing the negative impacts of fishing.
You will be based in the Department of Animal Sciences, located on the Wageningen University & Research campus. Link to site Chairgroup: Experimental Zoology Group | WUR
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.
You are a motivated and detail-oriented professional with the following competencies:
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hands-on experience with electro-mechanical systems and technical assembly;
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experience with testing, troubleshooting, or experimental setups;
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good communication skills and ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team;
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a structured and accurate way of working, including clear technical documentation;
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an mbo or hbo degree in electromechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a related technical field;
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interest in innovative applied research and technology development;
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affinity with marine, environmental, or animal-related projects is a plus;
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a valid driving license (minimum category B);
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experience with measurements, sensors, or data analysis is an advantage.
In our international working environment, English is increasingly used for communication. For this position, a minimum English proficiency level of B1 is required.
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 competitive gross salary of between € 3,057.- and € 5,057.- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 7 to 10). We offer a temporary position for a maximum of 10 months at 24 hours per week (0.63fte). Naturally, we would be happy to discuss any questions or preferences you may have regarding the terms of employment.
Intended startdate: 1 September or 1 October 2026.
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 this position, please contact Prof. Johan van Leeuwen, professor of animal mechanics, telephone: +31317482267 or via email: [email protected] or Dr. Martin Lankheet, associate professor of experimental zoology, via email: [email protected].
For more information about the procedure, please contact Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including Monday June 29, 2026. We aim to schedule the first round of interviews between 6 and 10 July 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before June 8, 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.
