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
Do you enjoy working at the intersection of technology, agriculture and innovation? Would you like to contribute to the development and practical application of robotics and smart systems? And do you get energy from designing, building and testing technical solutions in the field? Then this is your opportunity.
Within Wageningen Research, we are looking for a driven HBO-level Mechatronics Researcher. In this role, you will work on high-tech innovative applications within greenhouse horticulture, arable farming and precision agriculture, among others. You will contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies, where design, practical application and research come together.
You will work on solutions in the fields of robotics, automation and sensor technology. In doing so, you will play an important role in translating ideas into working prototypes and systems that are tested and further developed under real-world conditions. You will work closely with fellow researchers, technicians and external partners such as companies and growers.
Your Duties And Responsibilities As a Mechatronics Researcher Include
- designing and developing mechatronic systems in 3D, integrating mechanical constructions with electronic control systems;
- building, assembling and integrating prototypes and installations, including both mechanical structures and electronic components;
- carrying out and supporting a variety of practical trials in areas such as greenhouse horticulture, robotics, arable farming and precision agriculture;
- contributing ideas for technical solutions and improvements to existing systems;
- developing and implementing low-level control systems for these installations.
Your Team
You will work within the Greenhouse Automation and Robotics team. This is a multidisciplinary team that combines expertise in AI, sensor technology and robotics. The team develops innovative solutions for both greenhouse horticulture and open-field cultivation.
You will join an environment where collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation are central, with plenty of room to take initiative and realise new ideas. This provides an inspiring and collegial workplace with a strong connection between technology and practical application.
Your main location will be Wageningen, but you will also regularly work at other locations, such as Bleiswijk or other outdoor sites where trials take place.
Where You Will Work
The Greenhouse Automation and Robotics team is part of Wageningen Plant Research (WPR) in Wageningen. We work on innovative solutions for greenhouse horticulture, as well as applications in open-field cultivation and fruit growing.
Within Wageningen Plant Research, researchers develop new strategies and technologies for growers, suppliers, customers in the agri-industry, governments and social organisations. Research takes place both on the Wageningen campus and at various practical locations and trial fields.
Your qualities
You are a practical and curious engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of design and application. You have a hands-on mentality, think in terms of solutions, and feel at home in a dynamic environment where you collaborate with colleagues and external partners.
In Addition, You Have
- a completed higher professional education (HBO degree) in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field;
- experience with 3D CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor or similar);
- practical skills in assembly and technical implementation;
- willingness to test your solutions in the field;
- a hands-on mentality, with a flexible and team-oriented attitude;
- experience with PLC programming (CODESYS) is an advantage.
In our international working environment, communication in English is becoming increasingly important. For this position, the required language level is B2. If you have not yet reached this level, we will of course support you, and you can make use of our language centre, Wageningen in’to Language .
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 and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- 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 € 3,640.- and € 5,132.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 9). 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 Jos Ruizendaal, Teamleader Greenhouse Automation and Robotics, via phone number: +31 624921749 or via email: jos.ruizendaal@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.
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 Tuesday October 6, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before September 8, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
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
Wageningen
Professional field
Research & Science (incl. postdoc)
Educational level
Bachelors degree, Masters degree
Apply before
7-10-2026
Salary range
€3640 - €5132
Hours
32 - 36