Coordinating researcher for the INREEF program: balancing tourism in marine protected areas

Your job

Are you passionate about marine science and creating real-world impact with research? Do you enjoy managing projects and coordinating activities? If so, this role might be the perfect fit for you! 

We’re seeking a Coordinating Researcher to help drive the INREEF Program: Balancing Tourism in Marine Protected Areas. This program focuses on enhancing the resilience of coral reef ecosystems in Indonesia and the Dutch Caribbean. 

What You’ll Do 
As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our international research efforts. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Advancing Research/Education: Work closely with PhD candidates and senior researchers, to write of scientific papers or to develop of educational materials. The direction of research or education will depend on your background and interest. You are expected to lead a manuscript within a topic depending on your interests and skills, and to work on selected interdisciplinary topics related to tourism and coral reef resilience in MPAs.
• Managing Projects: Oversee timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure the success of the INREEF Program.
• Coordinating Global Efforts: Together with program leaders, plan and organize fieldwork, workshops, training sessions, and annual symposia in the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the Dutch Caribbean.
• Streamlining Data: Manage data systems, statistical analyses, and facilitate knowledge sharing within the team.
• Administrative Support: Collaborate with institutional support staff to produce reports, organize regular meetings, and maintain efficient communication channels.

Why Join Us? 

• International Experience: Work on projects in Indonesia and the Dutch Caribbean. 
• Collaborative Environment: Join a transdisciplinary team bridging science, education, governance, and conservation. 
• Opportunities to Grow: Lead research papers, build professional networks, and develop expertise in marine science and project management. 
• Make a Difference: Contribute to balancing tourism and sustainability in some of the world’s most beautiful and vital ecosystems. 

Your qualities

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Holds a PhD in marine natural or social science or a Master’s degree with relevant work experience. 
• Has publication(s) on marine science in international peer-reviewed scientific journals or a track record in education; 
• Is skilled in project planning, coordination, and data management. 
• Communicates effectively and enjoys working with diverse teams. 
• Is detail-oriented, organized, while also flexible and pro-active. 
• Is eager to grow into the role, even if not all qualifications are a perfect match. 

About the INREEF Program: INREEF is a transdisciplinary research program which brings together ecologists, economists, sociologists, engineers from Wageningen University & Research, University of Twente, Indonesian National Science Institute (BRIN), Bogor University, Papua University, as well as educators and conservationists from the Indonesian NGOs : Coral Triangle Center, Yayasan Konservasi Indonesia, Konservasi Indonesia Marine Research. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to meaningful global research, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today! 

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). This is part-time employment ( 28 – 32 hours) for 1-2.5 years.  Initially, we offer you a one-year contract, with possible extension up to 32 months in total if there is mutual enthusiasm. Of course, we would be happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact contact Lisa Becking, Associate professor Tropical Marine Biodiversity, e-mail: lisa.becking@wur.nl .

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, email: noorien.abbas@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. Please submit:

• CV: Maximum 3 pages
• Motivation letter: Max 2 pages

In the letter, please also include a description of your suggested idea and approach for research or education for the INREEF program, based on the information provided on our website www.inreef.org

You can apply until 14^th February 2025. The first interviews are scheduled on 20^th and 24^th February 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.

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.