Career at WUR
About Us
- Plenty of variety and challenges
- Pleasant working atmosphere
- Time for personal development
- Proper work-life balance
- Internationally leading
Your job
Have you completed an MLO or HLO degree and are you ready for a new challenge as a Laboratory Analyst in a PCR laboratory within an inspiring and dynamic environment? Would you like to further develop your expertise in molecular techniques while also expanding your skills in bacteriological, virological, and parasitological diagnostics?
At Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, we are looking for an enthusiastic Laboratory Analyst to join our close-knit team.
For this position is full proficiency in both spoken and written Dutch essential.
WBVR is the National Reference Laboratory and as a Laboratory Analyst within Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation (DCO), you will work together with your colleagues to perform diagnostic testing on samples to screen for animal diseases such as avian influenza, bluetongue, botulism, and Q fever. You will perform a broad range of PCR tests carried out in BSL-2 laboratories and, in part, in BSL-3 laboratories. In addition, you will be deployed flexibly across other laboratories within DCO and provide support during outbreaks of animal diseases.
Your Duties And Responsibilities As a Laboratory Analyst Include
- performing diagnostic analyses on samples for the detection of animal diseases;
- applying PCR techniques, including troubleshooting and optimisation; working in both BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments in accordance with applicable safety and quality standards;
- performing laboratory tests with a high degree of accuracy and precision;
- interpreting and recording test results in accordance with established protocols;
- collaborating with fellow laboratory analysts in a team-oriented working environment;
- being flexibly deployable across other laboratories within WBVR, depending on operational needs;
- contributing to the scaling up of diagnostic activities during outbreaks of animal diseases;
- actively contributing to quality assurance and the continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
Your Team
You will be part of a small team within the Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation (DCO) department. The DCO department consists of approximately 58 employees.
Your Workplace
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad operates within a strictly certified ISO environment to ensure the reliability of animal disease diagnostics and maintain high standards of biosafety. We are responsible for diagnostic testing as part of surveillance programmes and investigations of suspected notifiable viral and bacterial animal diseases, as well as for export diagnostics. Quality is central to all diagnostic activities. In addition to performing diagnostics, new diagnostic tests are developed, implemented, and validated. Supported by an enthusiastic team of highly trained laboratory analysts, most activities are carried out within the high-containment unit. We also provide a crucial 24/7 diagnostic service for a number of animal diseases. This means you will participate in an on-call and standby rota outside regular office hours.
Your qualities
- you have completed at least an MLO or HLO degree;
- you have an enthusiastic, quality-focused, and proactive attitude;
- you have a critical approach to your work, with quality as a top priority;
- you are resilient under pressure and remain calm during periods of high workload or animal disease outbreaks;
- You are willing to work outside regular office hours, including evening and weekend shifts.
You Have
- experience with PCR techniques;
- the ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- good overview of daily laboratory activities and the ability to set priorities and adjust daily planning when necessary;
- the ability to take on additional responsibilities such as inventory management, ordering laboratory supplies, and laboratory management;
- strong analytical skills and the ability to approach problems from different perspectives.
Within our working environment, all laboratory procedures and work instructions are in Dutch. Therefore, full proficiency in both spoken and written Dutch is essential.
As you can see, there are plenty of challenges awaiting you. We also see these challenges as opportunities for professional development. Therefore, if you do not yet have the exact track record requested in this vacancy but do have solid relevant work experience, we would still be pleased to invite you to apply.
Do you have an extensive track record and many years of professional experience? If so, we would especially encourage you to apply. We are looking for professionals whose knowledge, experience, and expertise can make an immediate impact on our organization.
In addition, we are recruiting for multiple positions. Even if this particular vacancy is not a perfect match for your background, we would be happy to explore which opportunity best fits your experience, skills, and career ambitions.
Additional Information
A significant part of the work takes place in facilities where quarantine regulations apply upon leaving the premises (in accordance with EU legislation). This means that you are not permitted to keep cloven-hoofed animals. In addition, for 72 hours after completing your work, you may not have contact with these animals or visit poultry production farms.
Location: Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands.
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- there is a strong focus on vitality;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
- 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 € 2,962.- and € 4,064.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 6 -7). 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.
Coming from abroad
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.
Important information
For more information about the position, please contact Carola Jüstel, Head of Diagnostic Services and Crisis Management, via phonenumber: +31 615268105 or via email:
[email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van 't Land, 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 7, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 15, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
- Upon commencement of employment, we require a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
- A pre-employment screening forms part of the selection process.
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.
We are
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.
Locations
Lelystad
Professional field
Tech & Laboratory
Educational level
Bachelors degree, Vocational level
Apply before
8-9-2026
Salary range
€2962 - €4064
Hours
32 - 36