As an Environmental Technology Researcher at Wageningen Livestock Research, you will work on innovative solutions for emission reduction and sustainable manure processing. Please note that an excellent command of Dutch is essential for this role.
You will develop, investigate and support technological applications that contribute to a circular and future-proof livestock sector. Combining applied research with systems analysis, you will work both in the laboratory and on-site at livestock farms and manure processing facilities to test and optimise technologies under practical conditions. You will also use modelling and scenario analysis to assess the potential impact of new technologies at both regional and national levels.
Your responsibilities as an Environmental Technology Researcher will include:
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designing and carrying out research into manure processing technologies, including anaerobic digestion, drying and nutrient recovery from manure;
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measuring ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from manure storage and processing systems;
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analysing and optimising environmental technologies used in livestock farming and advising on future technological developments;
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translating research findings into practical applications for the agricultural sector and government;
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collaborating with fellow researchers, industry partners, government bodies and other stakeholders;
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contributing to innovative projects focused on circular agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable farming.
Your Team
You will join a team of around 40 colleagues - including researchers, project leaders, measurement technicians and laboratory analysts - who are working together to develop innovative solutions for the livestock sector of the future. As a researcher, you will collaborate within the Emissions and Manure Valorisation multidisciplinary project teams.
Within the department, you will work alongside an enthusiastic group of approximately 40 colleagues with diverse expertise and responsibilities. The team also collaborates extensively with other parts of Wageningen University & Research and with a broad network of external partners.
You will be based within the Emissions and Manure Valorisation department of Livestock Research.
Our Mission
The livestock sector faces significant challenges. Reducing ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions is essential for achieving a sustainable future and maintaining the sector's licence to operate. The Environmental Technology and Manure Valorisation team develops and evaluates technologies that reduce emissions and nutrient losses from manure. At the same time, we increasingly view animal manure as a valuable resource. By converting manure into renewable energy, supporting circular applications and developing new bio-based products, we contribute to a resilient agricultural sector that is less dependent on fossil resources.
You are a proactive and results-oriented researcher who works effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams. You actively contribute to scientific impact by disseminating knowledge through publications, technical reports, and presentations at national and international conferences and symposia.
You will also have:
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a completed university degree in Environmental Technology, Process Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Sciences, or a related discipline;
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experience with manure processing technologies and applied research into technological innovations in livestock production;
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a strong interest in emission reduction, circular agriculture and sustainable farming systems;
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an excellent command of both Dutch and English.
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 € 3,554.- and € 5,698.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10). Additionally, for this role a contract for 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 Renée Talens, Manager department Emissions and Manure Valorisation, 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 Monday September 21, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 27, 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.
