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
Within the One Health Virology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad, there is a vacancy for an HBO Researcher.
One of WBVR's responsibilities as the national reference laboratory is to oversee the diagnostics of specific pathogens carried out by private laboratories. This is an important task that helps ensure the quality of diagnostics for significant animal diseases. We need your expertise to support this work.
Key aspects of the role include batch testing of test kits and reagents, organising proficiency tests, and conducting audits. In addition, you will contribute to preparing recommendations for the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) regarding the recognition of diagnostic tests and assist in writing periodic reports on audits and findings for the NVWA.
For these tasks, experience with both serological diagnostic tests and bacteriology is important, as well as a strong quality awareness and good communication skills.
In addition to these responsibilities, there is an opportunity to work on other projects (approximately one day per week).
Your Duties And Responsibilities Include
- monitoring and evaluating approved tests under the Veterinary Laboratories Recognition Scheme;
- carrying out supervisory activities, including audits;
- organising and conducting proficiency tests;
- maintaining the quality system for supervisory activities;
- preparing and managing the inventory of control panels;
- assessing and releasing test kits and reagents;
- maintaining internal and external contacts related to supervisory activities.
Your team
You will be working alongside your colleagues in the One Health Virology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad.
You will work here
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is a leading research institute in the field of animal health, and public health. Its unique selling point lies in its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on innovative solutions for complex problems in these fields.
WBVR has a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute that is allowed to work with the most animal viruses and bacteria up to level vBSL4 (vDM4), such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever in laboratories and animal facilities, were large livestock animals (o.a. cattle) and smaller rodents can be housed. Also, facilities are in place to do research and animal experiments for BLS3 pathogens such as avian influenza and Coxiella. Different experts on specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology and diagnostics allows WBVR to work on the mission and vision of WBVR.
WBVR contributes to a society where animals and humans live a healthy life by scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health.
WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D, and statutory research tasks. We serve the interests of the Dutch agro-food sector, (veterinary) public health, and the life sciences & health sectors. As contract-research organization we focus on market needs in the animal and human life sciences sectors.
WBVR has 3 focus points, healthy livestock, one health and high tech animal models (including the 3R’s).
Your qualities
You Possess
- an HBO degree in Life Sciences, such as Biology or Higher Laboratory Education (HLO) in Biology and Medical Laboratory Research;
- knowledge of and experience in performing serological and immunological techniques, including the validation and quality assurance of diagnostic tests;
- knowledge of and experience in performing bacteriological culture methods, including the validation and quality assurance of diagnostic tests;
- experience working in accordance with ISO 17025 and experience with documentation in Icologic.
- you are proactive, accurate, analytical, and able to organise your work effectively. You value working collaboratively as part of a team;
- you have a good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written.
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;
- 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 € 2,979.- and € 4,374.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 7/8). Additionally, for this role a contract for 24-36 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 Dr. Riks Maas, Head of Department One Health Virology, via phone number: +320-238891 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 August 31, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply
before Thursday August 6, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
- A pre-employment screening forms part of the recruitment and selection process.
- Upon appointment, we require a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
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
Research & Science (incl. postdoc)
Educational level
Bachelors degree
Apply before
1-9-2026
Salary range
€3132 - €4560
Hours
24 - 36