As a Data Systems Support Engineer at NPEC (The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre), you will play a key role in ensuring that the advanced data infrastructure underpinning cutting-edge plant research operates reliably and efficiently. You will help maintain and optimise the hardware and software systems that generate, process and deliver high-quality scientific data, enabling researchers to focus on discovery and innovation. By combining technical expertise with a service-oriented mindset, you will ensure that NPEC users have seamless access to data and the support they need to make the most of it.
Key responsibilities as a data system support engineer:
-
Ensure the reliable operation and quality of the hardware, software and data systems that collect, process and deliver research data.
-
Manage and optimise connections between cameras, sensors, research equipment and cloud-based platforms, including integrations through (custom) APIs.
-
Support researchers in accessing, understanding and using NPEC data by providing guidance, documentation and training.
-
Advise on data management practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of data workflows and processes.
-
Identify and implement enhancements to the IT and data infrastructure to improve performance, scalability and user experience.
Your team
You will join the NPEC Data Team, which supports one of Europe’s most advanced plant phenotyping research facilities. NPEC enables large-scale plant research through state-of-the-art sensor technologies that generate terabytes of data each week from growth chambers, glasshouse compartments, drones and semi-autonomous field-based platforms. These data are stored, managed and made available to researchers through our Azure cloud environment.
At Wageningen University & Research, you will work in an international and research-driven environment where science and technology come together to address global challenges. You will collaborate with researchers, data specialists and technical experts while working with modern computational and cloud-based infrastructure. We offer ample opportunities for professional development through training courses, conferences and the exploration of emerging technologies at the forefront of plant science.
You are an open, approachable and technically skilled Data Systems Support Engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with supporting and enabling others. You thrive in a dynamic research environment and take pride in ensuring that data systems, infrastructure and users are fully supported. With a proactive mindset and strong communication skills, you are able to bridge the gap between researchers and technology, translating technical concepts into practical solutions that make a real impact.
You also possess:
-
Experience with training/ coaching of users new to data systems.
-
Knowledge of and experience with managing cloud environments.
-
Proven user of version control systems and code sharing platforms such as Git.
-
Operational knowledge of container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes).
-
Knowledge of and experience with network design and configuration, distributed file systems and user administration systems.
Additional, preferred, requirements:
-
Experience in working with camera/ sensor technology/ APIs and other interfaces.
-
Programming experience in Python, R and/or Java.
-
Experience with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud or OpenShift.
-
Demonstrable ability to communicate IT-related topics to non-IT people.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level Dutch (B1/B2).
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
-
sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
-
working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
-
there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
-
a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
-
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 role is for 38 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.
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.
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 Rick van de Zedde, program manager NPEC, via phone number: +31 317 480156 or 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 Monday July 13, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before June 21, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
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.
