Animal Ecology Researcher on Farmland Birds

Are you an ecologist with knowledge of birds and experience in field research? Do you have a passion for applied research on nature restoration in agricultural landscapes? Do you closely follow scientific developments in this field? If so, we would like to hear from you!

Within the Animal Ecology team, we are expanding our capacity. We are looking for a researcher who wants to help carry out, shape, and strengthen applied research on farmland birds in agricultural areas. We are seeking someone who can place insights concerning these species groups within a broader ecological context. Examples include assessing the effects of restoration measures on different species groups in and around agricultural fields and understanding the functioning of the agricultural ecosystem as a whole.

The ecological challenges facing agricultural landscapes are significant. At the same time, there are concerns about the feasibility of conservation measures and the future prospects of farming businesses. Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) works on a wide range of projects related to biodiversity in agricultural areas. Currently, there is a particular need to strengthen research on farmland birds. This includes conducting breeding bird surveys and locating nests of meadow and arable farmland birds, as well as analysing and reporting research findings. Knowledge of agricultural practices and agricultural policy (such as the Dutch Agri-Environment and Climate Management Scheme, ANLb, and the Nature Restoration Regulation) is a clear advantage.

In this role, you will work within project teams on projects focused on the monitoring, protection, and restoration of biodiversity. You will conduct fieldwork, process and interpret research results, and contribute to publications, including Dutch-language reports and articles as well as peer-reviewed scientific papers. You will help identify and develop new project opportunities and may eventually take the lead in acquisition activities.

The Animal Ecology team consists of researchers/project leaders, laboratory staff, and field staff working in the fields of mammalogy, ornithology, entomology, reptile and amphibian ecology, soil ecology, and ecological genetics. We undertake work commissioned by (local) governments, land managers, NGOs, businesses, as well as research supported by national and international scientific funding. We conduct high-quality, independent research focused on the protection, restoration, and management of wild fauna. Through applied research, we make our knowledge and expertise available to help safeguard the quality of our natural environment, now and in the future.

• Academic level of thinking and working, with a relevant university degree in ecology, biology, or a related field.
• Strong awareness of current developments in biodiversity, nature conservation, and (nature-inclusive) agriculture.
• A team player who is willing to look beyond their own discipline and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of the ecology and taxonomy of (farmland) birds and associated research techniques.
• Willingness to work on biodiversity issues concerning a broader range of species groups in agricultural landscapes.
• Experience with QGIS and ecological statistics is an advantage.
• Experience with project management and project-based working is an advantage.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken command of both Dutch and English.

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 €3.399,- and €5.478,- 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 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.

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.

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 “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

For more information about the position, please contact im Visser, senior researcher, tim.visser@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@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 10 augustus 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 20 July 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.

​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.

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