Do you have experience in database engineering, and would you enjoy working in a vibrant, internationally-oriented ecological research institute? Then we’re looking for you!
What will you be doing?
You will help design, build, and maintain sustainable long-term data infrastructure by developing relational databases for ecological research within the NODE (NIOO Open Data for Ecology) programme. Key responsibilities include database architecture, data harmonization, metadata design, and supporting Open Science initiatives through robust, scalable data systems. Apart from helping design new databases you will work as an application and database administrator in the ‘Vogeltrekstation’ team that will be rebuilt within the NODE project. Managing the web application ‘GRIEL’, a C# based application, backed by a Microsoft SQL database towards the future is part of this project timeline. Through this application, users manage and export bird ringing and recovery data. You will maintain and update the application and its database, while contributing to a long-term migration of the system to a modern open-source platform in collaboration with multiple partners and developers.
What will you be contributing?
You combine experience in developing and administrating relational databases in several SQL-dialects. You are also capable of reading the GRIEL C# code-base and applying small bug fixes where needed. You are used to working in a team and are able to translate the needs of researchers into actionable database solutions. You adhere to open-source programming and are used to work with version control software, such as Git. As an application and database developer and administrator, you have demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server databases and are able to build and execute queries independently. You have experience in working in C# or a similar programming language.
Furthermore, you have:
- A relevant qualification at at least a higher professional education (HBO) level or a relevant university degree
- some experience in a similar role
- proven experience with all standard Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge in more than one programming language works to you advantage
- Strong communication skills
- Full Professional Proficiency in English
- Full Proficency in the Dutch language would qualify as a bonus
What are we offering?
This is a full-time position (1.0 FTE) on a fixed-term contract for a period of three years. The start date is to be agreed. There is a two-month probationary period. You will be based at Wageningen, the Netherlands. Info over monthly gross salary (schaal 9) is listed below.
Working at NIOO-KNAW
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW conducts and promotes cutting-edge ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and the sustainable use of land and water, communication specialists. The NIOO offers a vibrant research community with about 30 nationalities. The NIOO has 4 research departments and a central management and services department. The Research Support Office is your formal team, a central position in the NIOO with strong data management focus. You will work closely with the Data Steward of NIOO and the Head of Research Support Office. Practically, you will spend a large part of your time working with Vogeltrekstation. Vogeltrekstation is one of the Research Infrastructures at NIOO-KNAW aimed at collecting, curating, and exchanging data on ringed birds in the Netherlands in order to generate knowledge for science, policy and conservation. Vogeltrekstation manages a network of over 500 volunteer and professional bird ringers and works closely with similar organisations across Europe. The small and dynamic team of four permanent staff is led by the Animal Ecology department of the NIOO-KNAW. You will be based 2 days a week at the Research Support Office, and 3 days a week at the Vogeltrekstation at the NIOO.
Would you like to know more?
Further information about this vacancy can be obtained from Werner Smulders (phone. +31623424743, email: [email protected]) or Dr H.P. van der Jeugd (tel. 0317-47 34 63, email: [email protected]). Information about the NIOO can be found at http://www.nioo.knaw.nl.
How to apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter in which you indicate how your work could contribute to the development and administration of new and legacy database and how your track record could help to deliver the work.
This vacancy is open until 23 August 2026. Interviews will take place from 27 August 2026.
About NIOO
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.
Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.873 and the maximum salary is € 5.264 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 9 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.
The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).
For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.
Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.
Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.
We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.
