Reseacher social ecological transformation

Would you, as a Social-Ecological Transformation Researcher, like to contribute to advancing knowledge regarding urgent societal challenges related to landscape and biodiversity? And do you have expertise in social and governance processes as they relate to ecological issues? Then read on and apply!

We are looking for a social science researcher with a strong affinity for nature and the landscape, who wants to contribute to a nature-positive society through action-oriented and project-based applied research. You are an interdisciplinary systems thinker and capable of analysing complex issues in a structured manner. An affinity for themes such as nature restoration, nature-inclusive agriculture, and socio-ecological transformation processes is a plus. 

As a researcher in socio-ecological transformations, you want to better understand what is needed in terms of collaboration and policy to make landscapes biodiverse and climate-resilient. You will apply your social science perspective to issues concerning biodiversity restoration, human-nature relationships, transformations, and the role of policy in these processes. In doing so, you will collaborate with other disciplines (particularly ecology and economics).

You will work here 

As a researcher within the Biodiversity and Policy Team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), you will have the unique opportunity to develop as a researcher, contribute to solutions for today’s most urgent challenges, and work at one of the world’s leading institutes in this field. 

• Completed A completed academic degree in a relevant social science, preferably with an interdisciplinary focus.
• Strong analytical skills; you are a systems thinker capable of analyzing complex issues in a structured manner. You can translate conceptual knowledge into practice and vice versa.
• Knowledge of, and preferably several years of research experience with, qualitative research methods and action research, as well as inter- and transdisciplinary research.
• You are a good team player, communicate easily with diverse audiences, act proactively, and can deliver agreed-upon results on time.
• A positive, collaborative, and curious team player who is interested in people and possesses strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English (C1 level). For those who do not yet speak Dutch, there may be an opportunity to learn it through an intensive program. 

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 €6.228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 - 11). Additionally, For this role a contract for 28 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”.

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 Judith Westerink, researcher, projectlead, judith.westerink@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@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 18 May 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 26 April 2026.

We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.

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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