The department of Animal Ecology of the NIOO-KNAW is looking for an AI engineer in ecology (1.0 fte).
What you will do
The Animal Ecology Department has several ongoing data and software-related projects that already integrate AI, LLM, and machine learning approaches into our work. Many of these projects will benefit from the hands-on assistance of a specialist in an area where opportunities are rapidly outpacing in-house expertise. We are also generating large, diverse datasets (including image libraries, video collections, sensor streams, and experimental data), and modern AI-based pipelines for extracting ecological information from them have to be developed.
You will help researchers prototype ideas, build reproducible workflows, evaluate and implement emerging AI tools, and identify opportunities for careful automation. In this position, you will act as a shared catalyst for several ongoing projects, helping researchers develop practical, scalable solutions using machine learning, computer vision, LMM-assisted coding, and automated workflows. This will be done in interaction with the researchers and the research assistants of the Department of Animal Ecology, and in collaboration with the NIOO-wide developments in ‘digital ecology’ and AI.
What you bring
You obtained an MSc or PhD in ecology, bioinformatics, AI/ML, computer vision, computation ecology, data science, or scientific software engineering. You have experience with AI/ML and interest in biological or environmental data. Prior experience with (any of) image/video analysis, machine learning, sensor data processing, high-performance computing, and modern, open coding practices will be important assets to support ongoing projects. You are a collaborative, open-minded, a problem solver, and flexible, willing to work on many diverse projects. You are fluent in English, both written and verbal; Dutch language skills are also an asset.
What we offer
We offer an attractive one-year full-time position in a vibrant research department with a strong track record in developing and using digital tools for research and data.
The starting date for the position is 1 July 2026. Please see general information about the salary and benefits in the section below on Conditions of employment.
Your workplace
You will be embedded in the Department of Animal Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), located in Wageningen. You will share an office with other project management personnel and research assistants, and join an active community of senior researchers, postdocs, PhDs, large-scale infrastructure coordinators, research assistants and internship students (MSc, HBO). The Department comprises seven research groups, primarily working on passerine birds and bats.
In the Department of Animal Ecology, we investigate the causes and consequences of variation in life-history traits, including the underlying physiological and genomic mechanisms, and where such variation arises in time and space.
Want to know more?
For more information you can contact Prof. Marcel Visser, [email protected] or +31(0)317-473439
How to apply
Your application should include (1) a cover letter including experience and motivation for the position, (2) a CV/résumé detailing your education and professional background, and (3) the contact information for two professional references (name, affiliation, telephone number, email address). The deadline for application submission is 14 June 2026.
The hiring committee will review all applications received before the deadline and invite a subset of candidate for interviews. Interviews will be held in person at NIOO or online, depending on the location of the candidate, and are scheduled to take place on Friday 19 June.
About NIOO
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO performs leading ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water, stimulates ecological research of the Netherlands and shares its ecological knowledge with society.
Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3.708,- and the maximum salary is €5.538,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 9 or 10 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.
