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
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.
Your qualities
You are an enterprising researcher with expertise in the ecology of saltmarshes and saline vegetation communities, and a broad interest in the Wadden Sea and coastal ecosystems. You are able to work effectively under time pressure and manage your workload to meet deadlines. You are motivated, proactive, collaborative, client-focused, and possess strong communication skills.
In Addition, You Have
- a completed relevant academic degree in the Natural or Life Sciences, with a specialisation in Wadden Sea and coastal ecosystems. A PhD in a field relevant to this position would be an advantage;
- knowledge of saltmarsh vegetation;
- experience with nature-based solutions;
- strong report-writing skills;
- experience in applying statistical analyses to long-term and spatial datasets;
- a full Category B driving licence;
- proficiency in Dutch would be an advantage.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.
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 € 3,554.- and € 5,698.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10). 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
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 Marinka van Puijenbroek, researcher, via email:
[email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, 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 August 24, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 13, 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
Den Helder
Professional field
Research & Science (incl. postdoc)
Educational level
Doctorate, Masters degree
Apply before
21-9-2026
Salary range
€3554 - €5698
Hours
32 - 36