Saltmarsh Ecology Researcher

As a Saltmarsh Ecology Researcher, you will contribute to the saltmarsh research programme at Wageningen Marine Research (WMR). Working closely with the saltmarsh team, you will carry out field measurements and analyses to investigate long-term vegetation dynamics and sediment accretion, the impacts of land subsidence caused by gas extraction, and carbon sequestration in saltmarsh ecosystems. You will translate this knowledge into reports and provide advice on saltmarsh restoration plans and management strategies. In doing so, you will also contribute to the development of nature-based solutions for coastal areas and to understanding how these can be implemented in an ecologically responsible manner.

You will work with colleagues on several projects simultaneously, with responsibilities allocated according to capacity and individual interests. Engagement with clients and other stakeholders is an integral part of our work.

Your responsibilities as a Saltmarsh Ecology Researcher include:

• carrying out annual monitoring of sediment accretion and vegetation development across various saltmarshes in the Wadden Sea;
• analysing and interpreting monitoring data;
• writing reports for clients;
• assisting in the acquisition of new projects and the preparation of research proposals;
• publishing and presenting your research in scientific journals and at conferences.

Wageningen Marine Research
Your primary area of work will be the Dutch Wadden Sea, although opportunities may also arise to contribute to projects elsewhere in the Netherlands and internationally. Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading organisation in the Netherlands in the field of marine ecological data collection, covering benthic fauna, marine mammals, fish, birds, coral, shellfish, and more. Many of these datasets have been collected and maintained using standardised methodologies for decades. In this role, you will contribute to the continuation and development of the saltmarsh monitoring dataset, which contains more than 60 years of valuable ecological data.

Director Operations - Animal Sciences Group

Would you like to help build an organisation as Director of Operations that creates global impact in the fields of sustainable food production, animal welfare, biodiversity, and life sciences? Are you a strategic and connecting leader with extensive experience in complex organisations and a keen eye for operations, organisational development, and collaboration? Then this is a unique opportunity.

The Animal Sciences Group (ASG) of Wageningen University & Research is looking for a Director of Operations who, together with the Managing Director, will lead an internationally renowned knowledge organisation.

The position
As Director of Operations, you are jointly responsible for the integrated management of ASG. Together with the Managing Director, you form the ASG executive team. You are a strategic sparring partner for institute managers, chair holders, and stakeholders within and outside WUR.

You provide direction for future-proof operations and ensure that processes, systems, people, and resources optimally contribute to excellent research, education, and societal impact. You focus on quality, collaboration, innovation, and continuous development.

You are responsible for the integrated operations of ASG within Wageningen University & Research (Animal Sciences Group), including:

• Financial management (planning & control, budgeting, risk management).
• HR & organisational development (leadership, teams, change capability).
• Governance & decision-making (compliance, internal management, organisational structure).
• Process and system optimisation (facility and support processes).
• Strategic collaboration within WUR and with external partners.
• Change management and professionalisation programmes within a complex knowledge environment.

You operate in a complex governance environment in which the university, research institutes, government, industry, and societal organisations work closely together.

Your team
You will work together with your team of professionals in the fields of Finance & Control, HR, Legal Affairs, Communication, Occupational Health & Safety, Environment and Safety, and Location and Facilities Management.

Working environment: Animal Sciences Group
The world is facing major challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pressure on natural resources, and a growing demand for food require fundamental changes in the way we produce food and interact with animals and nature.

ASG makes an important contribution to these challenges through high-quality research and education in the field of animal sciences. ASG is a knowledge unit consisting of 12 university chair groups and 3 research institutes and includes:

• Department of Animal Sciences of Wageningen University.
• Wageningen Livestock Research.
• Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (based in Lelystad).
• Wageningen Marine Research (based in IJmuiden).

Together with researchers, lecturers, and professionals, we work every day on solutions for global challenges related to sustainable food systems, animal welfare, health, and ecosystems.

At Wageningen University & Research, more than 7,700 employees work and over 13,000 students study towards the mission: “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” The integrated collaboration between science, education, and practice forms the foundation of the unique Wageningen approach. The Animal Sciences Group employs approximately 1,100 people.

Emission Measurement Technician

Would you like to help find solutions to the problems of nitrogen, methane and particulate matter in livestock farming?

At Wageningen Livestock Research, you’ll be working on innovations for low-emission livestock housing and manure storage facilities. As a measurement technician, you’ll combine hands-on work with scientific precision. You’ll help to develop and test measurement methods that enable emissions to be measured continuously and reliably.

What will you be doing?
You’ll act as the link between research and practice, carrying out measurements in livestock farming locations across the country. As a measurement technician, your responsibilities will include:

• on-site measurements;
• data processing and analysis;
• maintenance of measuring equipement.

You will provide expert input for project plans and ensure that measurements are carried out in accordance with the agreed criteria. You will combine data with your own observations and practical insights, and maintain close contact with both researchers and livestock farmers.

Where will you be based?
You will work in the Air Quality Laboratory (AQL), part of the Emissions and Manure valorisation department. Together with around 10 colleagues, you will be responsible for measurements, data and equipment. Within the team, you will develop your own specialisation.

About Emissions and Manure valorisation
The Emissions and Manure valorisation department conducts practice-oriented research towards a healthier environment and sustainable livestock farming. You will work with a diverse group of around 40 colleagues – ranging from researchers to analysts – within Wageningen University & Research and with external partners.

Directeur Bedrijfsvoering - Animal Sciences Group

Wij jij als directeur bedrijfsvoering bouwen aan een organisatie die wereldwijd impact maakt op het gebied van duurzame voedselproductie, dierenwelzijn, biodiversiteit en life sciences? Ben jij een strategisch en verbindend leider met ruime ervaring in complexe organisaties en een scherp oog voor bedrijfsvoering, organisatieontwikkeling en samenwerking? Dan is dit een unieke kans.

De Animal Sciences Group (ASG) van Wageningen University & Research zoekt een Directeur Bedrijfsvoering (Director Operations) die samen met de Managing Director leiding geeft aan een internationaal toonaangevende kennisorganisatie.

De functie
Als Directeur Bedrijfsvoering ben je medeverantwoordelijk voor de integrale aansturing van ASG. Je vormt samen met de Managing Director de directie van ASG. Je bent een strategische sparringpartner voor de instituutsmanagers, leerstoelgroephouders en stakeholders binnen en buiten WUR.

Je geeft richting aan een toekomstbestendige bedrijfsvoering en zorgt ervoor dat processen, systemen, mensen en middelen optimaal bijdragen aan excellent onderzoek, onderwijs en maatschappelijke impact. Daarbij stuur je op kwaliteit, samenwerking, innovatie en continue ontwikkeling.

Je bent verantwoordelijk voor de integrale bedrijfsvoering van ASG binnen Wageningen University & Research (Animal Sciences Group), waaronder:

• Financieel management (planning & control, budgettering, risicobeheersing).
• HR & organisatieontwikkeling (leiderschap, teams, veranderkracht).
• Governance & besluitvorming (compliance, interne sturing, structuur).
• Proces- en systeemoptimalisatie (facilitaire en ondersteunende processen).
• Strategische samenwerking binnen WUR en met externe partners.
• Verander- en professionaliseringstrajecten in een complexe kennisomgeving.

Je opereert in een complexe bestuurlijke omgeving waarin universiteit, onderzoeksinstituten, overheid, bedrijfsleven en maatschappelijke organisaties nauw samenwerken.

Jouw team
Jij gaat samenwerken met je team van professionals op het gebied van Finance & Control, HR, Juridische zaken, Communicatie, Arbo, Milieu en Veiligheid en Locatie- en faciliteitenbeheer.

Werkomgeving Animal Sciences Group
De wereld staat voor grote uitdagingen. Klimaatverandering, verlies van biodiversiteit, druk op natuurlijke hulpbronnen en een groeiende vraag naar voedsel vragen om fundamentele veranderingen in de manier waarop we voedsel produceren en samenleven met dieren en natuur.

ASG levert hierin een belangrijke bijdrage met hoogwaardig onderzoek en onderwijs op het gebied van dierwetenschappen. ASG is een kenniseenheid bestaande uit 12 universitaire leerstoelgroepen en 3 onderzoeksinstituten en omvat:

• Department of Animal Sciences van Wageningen University.
• Wageningen Livestock Research.
• Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (standplaats: Lelystad).
• Wageningen Marine Research (standplaats: IJmuiden).

Samen met onderzoekers, docenten en professionals wordt dagelijks gewerkt aan oplossingen voor mondiale vraagstukken rondom duurzame voedselsystemen, dierenwelzijn, gezondheid en ecosystemen.

Binnen Wageningen University & Research werken ruim 7.700 medewerkers en studeren meer dan 13.000 studenten aan de missie: “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” De integrale samenwerking tussen wetenschap, onderwijs en praktijk vormt de kern van de unieke Wageningen-aanpak. Bij de Animal Sciences Group werken +/- 1100 medewerkers.

Environmental Technology Researcher

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:

• designing and carrying out research into manure processing technologies, including anaerobic digestion, drying and nutrient recovery from manure;
• measuring ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from manure storage and processing systems;
• analysing and optimising environmental technologies used in livestock farming and advising on future technological developments;
• translating research findings into practical applications for the agricultural sector and government;
• collaborating with fellow researchers, industry partners, government bodies and other stakeholders;
• 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.