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 senior researcher, would you like to lead innovative research focused on understanding and reducing emissions from the poultry sector? At Wageningen Livestock Research, you will have the opportunity to play a key role as a scientific project leader in developing new knowledge and solutions to issues relating to greenhouse gases, nitrogen, particulate matter, bioaerosols and odour.
Within the Emissions & Manure Valorisation department, you will take the lead on research projects and work on the acquisition, development and implementation of research proposals. You will build and maintain a strong network of clients, policymakers and partners from the sector, and translate societal and scientific issues into impactful research programmes.
Using your expertise in the field of poultry (particularly laying hens, broilers and broiler breeders), you will lead multidisciplinary project teams and provide substantive direction for research into house ventilation and air quality, the formation and emission processes of substances, measurement methods and emission-reduction measures. You will combine scientific depth with project leadership and contribute to knowledge that is directly applicable in policy and practice.
Your Duties And Responsibilities As a Senior Researcher Are
- developing research proposals and programmes;
- business development / knowledge entrepreneurship in co-creation and project acquisition;
- managing project teams and coordinating the practical implementation of projects;
- conducting research and writing academic reports and articles;
- maintaining and expanding our national and international network;
- contributing to policy development and advising government bodies;
- supervising students and PhD candidates.
Your team
You will be working within the Emissions and Manure Validation department at Wageningen Livestock Research .
Together with around 40 colleagues – researchers, project leaders, measurement technicians and analysts – you will be working on innovative solutions for the future livestock sector. As a researcher, you will work as part of a team, both within the Emissions and Manure Validation department and in various project teams. Within the department, you will collaborate with an enthusiastic team of around 40 colleagues with a wide range of roles and responsibilities, including researchers, project leaders, measurement technicians and analysts. The team also collaborates closely with other units at Wageningen University & Research, as well as with external partners.
Our Mission
The livestock sector faces significant challenges. Reducing ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions is essential for a sustainable future and for maintaining the sector's licence to produce.
At the same time, animal manure is increasingly being recognised as a valuable resource. By using manure for renewable energy, circular applications and innovative products, we contribute to a future-proof agricultural sector that is less dependent on fossil resources.
Your qualities
You are a connecting professional who collaborates easily with colleagues, clients and external partners, building lasting relationships. With your strong communication skills, you are able to clearly explain complex issues to different audiences and build support for new ideas. You take the initiative, are results-oriented and comfortable working in a dynamic environment where you manage multiple projects simultaneously. In addition, you combine a strategic outlook with persuasiveness and know how to inspire people and get them on board with shared ambitions.
You Also Have
- relevant academic qualification; a PhD is an advantage;
- extensive work experience as a researcher and project leader;
- extensive experience in securing and acquiring major projects from various stakeholders;
- an affinity with poultry, knowledge of the poultry sector and a relevant external network (both nationally and internationally);
- an excellent command of the Dutch and/or English 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 € 4,220.- and € 7,337.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11/12). Additionally, for this role a contract for 28 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 Renée Talens, Manager department Emissions and Manure Valorisation,via email: renee.talens@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: recruitment.asg@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 6 October, 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
Doctorate, Masters degree
Apply before
7-10-2026
Salary range
€4220 - €7337
Hours
28 - 36