Vacancy
Data Platform Specialist
Your job
Bring Structure, Clarity, and Direction to a Data-Driven Policy and Research Environment
Are you analytically strong, enjoy creating order within complex data flows, and a team player who connects people to move forward together? Do you like working at the intersection of technology, content, and organization? Then we are looking for you.
We manage and develop a data platform that collects information on agricultural practices, sustainability, economic performance, and environmental impact. This data is used for national and European policy, scientific research, and statistics.
The playing field is complex: you’ll work with many systems, chains, data sources, and stakeholders – from developers to researchers, from architects to end users. Within the team responsible for the platform, we are looking for a Data Platform Specialist who brings structure to information models and processes, and helps develop clarity and ownership.
You will contribute to organizing data flows, ensuring information is available in the right place, and fostering shared understanding of what we do – and why. You ensure that existing models stay up to date and that disruptions are quickly resolved: if the platform goes down, we need to act immediately – otherwise, 60 colleagues are unable to work.
What will you do?
- Model and structure data: entities, attributes, and their relationships.
- Document and analyze data collection and processing workflows.
- Set up data structures, screen configurations, and validation rules within the platform.
- Setting up data pipelines for various sources.
- Integrate external data sources into the system.
- Identify bottlenecks and monitor data quality.
- Improve workflows and documentation in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Act as an ambassador: explain, collaborate, and foster insight and ownership.
- Serve as a bridge between users, operations, architecture, and development.
During the migration phase, you will work with two systems, learn how they function, and help build a reliable transition to the new platform.
Your qualities
What Do You Bring?
- Proven experience with data modeling and structuring complex information systems.
- Insight into functional processes and the ability to translate them into data structures.
- Experience analyzing, documenting, and improving data collection processes.
- Understanding of data processing, data quality, and system configuration – preferably within metadata-driven or low-code platforms.
- You work in a structured manner, communicate clearly, and bring calm and clarity to dynamic environments.
- Fluent command of Dutch (spoken and written)
- You have a natural, open communication style and enjoy helping solve complex challenges.
- You are comfortable working in environments with multiple stakeholders and diverse interests.
- You enjoy diving into complex systems and love solving puzzles.
- You’re good at setting priorities and can switch between strategic considerations and practical user questions.
- Availability to work on-site at least 2 days per week (Wageningen and/or The Hague), with at least 1 day being flexibly scheduled.
- A role with impact in a domain that contributes to making agriculture more sustainable.
- A well-functioning team that could use your reinforcement.
- A hybrid work environment where focus, coordination, and autonomy go hand in hand.
- A market-based salary that reflects your experience and the value you bring.
We are working toward reliable, well-structured information on how the agricultural sector operates, how to produce sustainably, and the economic and environmental impacts. This information forms the foundation for policy-making, monitoring, and research at both national and European levels. That demands a robust platform where data is collected, validated, and made available in a reliable and reproducible way.
You contribute to this – together with the team.
We offer you
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.
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 Eugene Westerhof (IT Architect) eugene.westerhof@wur.nl or Quirijn van der Goes (Team Lead, quirijn.vandergoes@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 until August 10th, 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’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.