How will you contribute to safe and responsible groundbreaking research?
At Wageningen University & Research, you will work as an HSE Advisor in an environment where safety and innovation go hand in hand. From laboratories and experimental fields to offices and research facilities, you will support researchers and colleagues in carrying out their work safely, responsibly, and sustainably.
You translate legislation and regulations into practical solutions that work in the day-to-day research environment. As a trusted advisor, sparring partner, and driver of continuous improvement, you help identify risks before they arise and contribute to a strong safety culture built on awareness, ownership, and continuous learning.
This is far more than a conventional HSE role. You will be working at the heart of an international and passionate research organisation, directly supporting research with societal impact in areas such as food safety, climate, and the living environment.
The Environmental Sciences Group (ESG) of Wageningen University & Research is looking for an HSE Advisor who is committed to ensuring that researchers can work in a safe and responsible research environment—whether at their desks, in laboratories, or out in the field.
As an HSE Advisor, you act as a trusted advisor and discussion partner for researchers, managers, occupational health and safety specialists, and external stakeholders. You are able to translate legislation and regulations into practical, workable solutions.
Your responsibilities include:
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Providing proactive advice on health, safety, occupational well-being, and environmental matters;
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Translating legislation and regulations into practical procedures, protocols, and work instructions;
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Serving as the primary point of contact for topics such as hazardous substances, biological safety, permits, and emergency response (BHV);
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Conducting and coordinating Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) processes and initiating improvement measures;
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Coordinating internal audits and ensuring effective follow-up of findings;
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Contributing to the further development of the safety culture within ESG;
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Acting as the designated Prevention Officer, following formal appointment.
In accordance with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), you are responsible for:
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Contributing to the preparation and implementation of the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E);
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Advising and working closely with occupational health and safety experts and the Works Council;
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Supporting the implementation of occupational health and safety measures.
In line with ESG policy, you are also responsible for:
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Recording and analysing incidents and reports in the incident monitoring system, identifying trends, and advising on improvement measures;
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Coordinating collaboration with the Emergency Response Organisation (BHV).
You will become part of the Risk & Compliance team within the Environmental Sciences Group (ESG). As a member of this team, you will work closely with colleagues specialising in health and safety, quality management, information security, privacy, and risk management.
You will report to the Head of Risk & Compliance and serve as a trusted advisor to management, researchers, and operational teams on HSE-related matters.
In addition, you will collaborate closely with occupational health and safety professionals across Wageningen University & Research, helping to connect and strengthen knowledge, expertise, and best practices throughout the organisation.
Your workplace will be the Wageningen Campus—an international, green, and highly innovative environment where cutting-edge research and collaboration come together.
For this role, we are looking for an experienced HSE professional with a strong foundation in health, safety, and environmental management.
You bring:
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A higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking;
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A completed qualification as a Certified Higher Safety Expert (HVK) or Occupational Hygienist;
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Experience with HSE-related issues, preferably within a research, laboratory, or other knowledge-intensive environment;
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Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations relating to occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and workplace safety.
In addition, you recognize yourself in the following qualities:
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You are able to translate complex legislation and regulations into practical, workable solutions;
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You are an excellent communicator who works effectively across different disciplines and establishes yourself as a credible and trusted advisor;
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You maintain a visible presence in the workplace and know how to engage and motivate colleagues to embrace improvements;
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You work independently, take initiative, and are able to maintain a clear overview of priorities;
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You combine strong analytical skills with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.
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.
Furthermore, we offer:
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A role with visible impact in a unique and internationally recognised research environment;
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A varied position with plenty of scope for initiative, autonomy, and professional development;
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The opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled colleagues across a wide range of scientific disciplines;
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An appointment of 24–36 hours per week, to be agreed upon by mutual consent.
Naturally, these excellent employment conditions are complemented by a competitive salary. Depending on your qualifications and experience, the salary ranges from €3,399 to €6,228 gross per month based on a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the Wageningen Research Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) (Salary Scale 10–11).
The position is available for 24 to 36 hours per week. We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance.
We actively encourage professional development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our Recruitment and Selection Policy outlines the conditions that apply specifically to current and former employees. If you have any questions, we would be happy to provide further information.
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.
If you would like to know more about this position, please contact Laura Schellingerhout, Head of Risk & Compliance, by telephone at +31 6 51582301 or by email at [email protected].
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Edgar Tijhuis, Corporate Recruiter, at [email protected].
How to apply
To apply, please click the Apply button on the vacancy page on our website. Please note that only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
The application deadline is 15 August 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If your profile is considered a good match, you will be contacted shortly to arrange an initial interview.
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.
