Are you a software engineer who looks beyond just code? Do you have a practical background or strong affinity with livestock farming and do you want to use your technical skills to make the agricultural sector smarter and more sustainable? Then we are looking for you.
What will you do?
As a software engineer, you will work on innovative digital solutions for livestock farming. Think of simulation programs to perform scenario analyses, applications for data collection and analysis and management systems for livestock farms (digital twins). You translate practical questions into smart software and work closely with colleagues from both IT and agricultural background.
Your tasks:
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developing and maintaining software (e.g. web applications, dashboards or other software tools);
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translating the practical needs of researchers and consultants into technical solutions;
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collaborate with researchers, advisors and end users;
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testing and improving existing systems;
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thinking about innovations within the sector.
Your team
Within the Animal Farming Systems department, you will work together with a research team of 35 highly motivated project leaders, researchers and project assistants. We are known for our innovative and integrated approach in designing and evaluating the sustainability of animal farming systems. You will work together with colleagues from your own team and colleagues from other Wageningen Livestock Research departments or WUR research institutes in a project team.
This is where you will work
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, and at a university that has been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands 20 times and is also seen worldwide as the best university in the agri-food domain.
You have analytical thinking skills and a solution-oriented mindset. In addition, you have good communication skills and a proactive attitude.
You also have:
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a completed bachelor focused on computer science, animal husbandry or agricultural entrepreneurship;
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experience in developing software with e.g. C# or Python;
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affinity with and interest in the livestock sector.
In our international working environment, communication is increasingly in English. This position involves language level C1. If you do not yet have this level, we will of course help you and you can contact our language center Wageningen in'to Language.
You can see that there are plenty of challenges for you. These challenges can also be seen as development opportunities. So if you do not yet have the track record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.
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 € 3,381.- and € 5,132.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8/9). Additionally, for this role a contract of 32 to 36 hours can be discussed. We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the organisation’s financial situation.
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.
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”.
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 ir. Frank Gort, Head of the Department of Animal Production Systems, via phone number: +31 681028847 or via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, 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 Sunday September 27, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 1, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
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.
