Freshwater Ecology Researcher

Are you an ecologist who wants to contribute to the restoration of Dutch freshwater ecosystems? Do you have knowledge of freshwater ecology and the organisms that inhabit these systems, experience in ecological research, and an interest in translating research results into practical applications? Then this position may be for you!

As a Freshwater Ecology Researcher, you will work with other researchers on a variety of projects for water managers and policymakers. You will contribute to field research and desk studies, data analysis, and the reporting and presentation of research findings.

The projects focus on current topics in Dutch freshwater ecology. Examples include:

• Investigating the effectiveness of restoration and management measures in different freshwater habitats.
• Reintroducing macroinvertebrate species.
• Assessing the effects of salinization and drought on biodiversity.
• Evaluating innovative monitoring techniques.
• Contributing to the development of ecological monitoring and assessment systems.

The work is varied and dynamic. Your responsibilities may include conducting fieldwork in streams and peatland areas, contributing to analyses of existing datasets from water authorities, and carrying out literature reviews. You will work in multidisciplinary project teams with varying compositions. All project work takes place within the Netherlands.

Your Team

You will collaborate with researchers in the Freshwater Ecology Research Group, which is part of the Water & Food Team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR). The group focuses on restoring and improving aquatic ecosystems by developing, sharing, and applying knowledge that supports water management and policy.

You are proactive, results-oriented, able to work independently as well as in a team, and possess strong communication and organizational skills. In this role, it is important that you can solve both practical and theoretical or scientific problems.

You also have:

• A relevant degree in Ecology.
• Knowledge of the functioning of Dutch freshwater ecosystems and wetlands from a landscape ecology or systems ecology perspective.
• Knowledge of one or more taxonomic groups, such as macroinvertebrates, plants, algae, birds, or ground beetles.
• The ability to analyze, report, and present research results to different audiences in the Netherlands, primarily water managers, policymakers, and researchers.
• A driver's license is considered an advantage.

In our international working environment, English is increasingly used for communication. For this position, an English proficiency level of B2 is required. If you do not yet meet this level, we will support your development through Wageningen in’to Language, our language training center.

We recognize that this role offers plenty of challenges, which can also be viewed as development opportunities. Therefore, if you do not yet have the exact track record described in the vacancy but do have solid relevant work experience, we still encourage you to apply.

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 €3.554,- and €5.698,- 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. 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.

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 Communitypage 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.

For more information about the position, please contact Ralf Verdonschot, senior researcher freshwater ecology, ralf.verdonschot@wur.nl or tel. 0610935005.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, corporate recruiter, 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 9 November 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 17 October 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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