Researcher Bird and Bat Migration

Are you passionate about movement ecology of birds and bats, entrepreneurial and does project-based work appeal to you? Do you work well in a team? Then this position as Researcher position at Wageningen Marine Research in Den Helder, might be for you!

You lead and conduct bat and bird research relevant for the development of offshore sustainable energy projects and biodiversity conservation. You coordinate studies from concept to completion aligning with clients, working with the project team, conducting fieldwork, performing data analyses, and delivering clear reports and scientific publications while also contributing directly to innovative ecological solutions.

This role offers substantial room for growth. You further develop skills in project management,  research methods related to; e.g. movement ecology, telemetry, and innovative monitoring, and you take part in the wider societal discussion on renewable energy and biodiversity protection.

As a successful candidate you are eager to apply your expertise to conduct impactful, applied research.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• Acquiring, defining and leading research projects mostly related to impact of offshore wind, bat and bird migration, conservation and movement ecology. You will also contribute to other marine and coastal bird research projects and will advise on suitable mitigation and conservation measures.
• Process and analyze radio telemetry data (MOTUS), including spatial statistics to calculate flight paths. Analyzing other types of data, including sensor data, acoustic data or images can be part of your research projects.
• Writing science-based policy advice reports and scientific papers.
• Contribute to the development of our bat and bird research team.

Your team

You will work in a team of (marine) bird and bat ecologists, field specialists, research technicians and data experts. Within this team, we study the effects of anthropogenic activities on bat and bird populations using quantitative techniques, field observations and advanced technology such as telemetry and digital aerial surveys.

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? Check our website. Research institute Wageningen Marine Research | WUR.

You will be based in our office location Den Helder, but will also have regular meeting in our IJmuiden office to collaborate with other colleagues. 

You are a mid-senior level researcher (5+ years relevant experience) in the field of movement ecology, with a social and communicative personality, who is passionate to apply research for the energy transition and ecological conservation.

You also possess: 

• A university degree in ecology or a related field, with solid knowledge of bats and/or birds. A PhD is an advantage but not required.
• Strong knowledge of statistics, R coding and spatial data analysis, preferably experience with calculating flight paths from radio telemetry data.
• Experience leading research projects, with the ability to manage planning, quality, technical challenges, budget, and collaboration.
• Experience with telemetry research, preferably using MOTUS or comparable technologies. Authorization under Article 9 of the Dutch Animal Experiments Act is considered an asset, as is knowledge of the ecological effects of offshore wind.
• Strong command of English C1 level; Dutch is an advantage, but not required.
• Willingness to travel, as work will take place at various locations. International travel for conferences and meetings is also part of the role.

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 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;
• 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 or 11). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 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.

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.

For more information about the position, please contact Martin Poot, Senior Researcher Seabird Ecology, via +31(0)629078791 | +31(0)317 488427 or email: martin.poot@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via ine.vantland@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 Monday May 4, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Monday April 13, 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.

​