Ecological modelling expert

In this position, within Wageningen Marine Research, you will study the effects of anthropogenic activities on animal populations using ecological models and other quantitative techniques. Much of our work revolves around the ecosystem impact of fisheries and offshore wind farms. The work includes developing and analyzing process-based models for single species and ecological communities, from benthic invertebrates up to and including seabirds and fishing fleets. Outcomes of these models are the basis for advice on policy and management related to human impacts on the marine ecosystem. You will work in a project-based environment in teams with other ecological modelers, data specialists and/or field researchers, depending on project requirements. You will work on different projects simultaneously, and responsibilities are divided according to capacity and personal interests. Contacts with clients and other stakeholders are an integral part of our work. You will have ample scope to develop your own research interests.

Your main tasks and responsibilities as ecological modelling expert will be:

• Develop and analyze dynamic ecological models for research and policy advice;
• Carry out statistical analysis to support and validate these models;
• Co-write reports for clients and scientific publications;
• Participate in the acquisition and implementation of new research assignments.

Your team

You will work in a team of theoretical ecologists and ecological modelers based in IJmuiden. The atmosphere is highly informal, critical but supportive, with a focus on personal and professional growth. We like to have fun while working hard.

Are you eager to apply your expertise to impactful research assignments for clients? Are you an entrepreneurial team player who thrives in a dynamic, team- and project-based work environment? Do you know how to balance critical thinking with a strong results orientation to deliver the best project outcomes on time? Then this position might be for you!

You also possess:

• A completed academic training as an ecologist with experience in dynamic modelling, population dynamics, environmental impact assessments, food web or ecosystem dynamics. A completed PhD in this field is a plus;
• Affinity with marine ecology and the interplay between ecological processes and anthropogenic activities;
• Programming experience. Knowledge of R, C and/or phyton is strongly preferred;
• A level of communication skills in English of C1 or better.

Is this you? Then we would like to invite you to apply. Even if you do not have the full track-record (yet).

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 € 4,045,- and € 6,228.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11). Additionally a contract for 28 to 36 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. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

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.

You will work here 

Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading marine ecological research institute employing approximately 200 people. We do our work from three locations: IJmuiden, Den Helder and Yerseke. WMR works on field research, theoretical research, experimental research, data management and modelling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. WMR is an organizational unit of Wageningen University & Research. Would you like more information about Wageningen Marine Research? View our website.

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.

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 Tobias van Kooten, senior scientist, on +31612887737 or by email at Tobias.vanKooten@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.psg@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 the 26th of January 2026. 

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.

​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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