Are you interested in working in the Soil Biology Lab and collaborating with 100 pioneering farmers in the Netherlands? Do you have affinity with soil sampling and analyses related to the role of soil biota in supporting a range of soil functions? Within the ReGeNL project, we are looking for a laboratory assistant to provide technical support for the monitoring campaigns of the pioneering farmers participating in ReGeNL.
There is steadily growing pressure on agriculture and the entire food system to increase global production while promoting sustainability in terms of farmers' incomes, soil health, input use, and environmental and climate impact. Regenerative agriculture is a promising avenue to support a healthy, multi-functional and future-proof soil and farming system. Together with regenerative Dutch farmers, ReGeNL is developing a future-proof agricultural sector in which agriculture goes hand in hand with soil health and nature restoration, and a good revenue model for farmers. Between now and 2030, ReGeNL will start the transition to regenerative agriculture with 1000 farmers. The aim is to make regenerative agriculture the new normal by 2040.
In this role, you will support the monitoring of 100 pioneering regenerative farmers within the ReGeNL program. Wageningen University, together with its partners, is responsible for monitoring and studying changes in the farmers’ management practices and evaluating the outcomes of these changes. Through-out the year, fieldwork will be conducted to monitor various aspects of soil health and to document the management practices applied by these pioneering farmers.
Coordinate and lead field sampling campaigns and data collection activities across different soil types and land-use systems in the Netherlands.
Conduct laboratory analyses to explore the dynamic relationships between management practices, soil biota, and soil chemical and physical properties.
Collaborate closely with soil biology researchers and technical staff.
The Soil Biology group integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is “to explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”.
Soils are among humankind’s most precious natural resources, but their sustainable use is under serious threat. Our aim is to advance and share knowledge on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world, and how land management may impact soil life. Our ambition is to cover research across a range of scales and levels of detail to ensure dissemination of fundamental insights: starting with interactions at small-scale hotspots in the soil (in particular the rhizosphere and detritusphere), through management-oriented research at the plot and field scale, towards policy-relevant research at the farm, landscape and regional scale. The soil biology laboratory supports both on-going research of the Soil Biology Group (PhD projects and larger projects) and external analyses. In addition, the lab oversees approximately 25-30 MSc thesis projects per year and contributes to the Soil Biology education programmes at both BSc and MSc levels.
You have a background in environmental or agricultural sciences (BSc level) and can easily connect with the realities of Dutch farming.
A BSc soil biology, soil ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
Affinity with fieldwork and willingness to conduct extensive field sampling campaigns across the Netherlands under varying weather and field conditions.
Experience working in a laboratory environment using techniques commonly applied in soil science research.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A team-oriented attitude.
Fluency in Dutch, both spoken and written, is required for this role.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Prior experience in research or academic environments is preferred.
A valid category B driving license.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their experience with concrete examples from their work both within and outside academia.
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 €3.537,- and €5.264,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 8 - 9). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. We offer you a temporary contract for the duration of one year.
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.
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 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.
For more information about the position, please contact dr. Paolo Di Lonardo, researcher, [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 14 September 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 23 august 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.
