Researcher Entomology Fruit

Are you an experienced entomologist with excellent command of the Dutch language, looking to make an impact on the future of fruit production? At Wageningen Plant Research (WPR), you will work on innovative and sustainable solutions for pest management in fruit crops. Based at our research location in Randwijk, you will combine scientific research, practical application and project development to contribute to resilient and sustainable cropping systems.

At our Randwijk location, we are committed to making fruit production more sustainable. Through applied research, we develop solutions to current challenges and work towards resilient cropping systems. As an entomologist, you will develop innovative pest management strategies, contribute to ongoing projects, establish new research directions, secure funding for new projects and translate research findings into practical applications for the sector.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• develop and investigate solutions for pest management and resilient cropping systems in fruit production;
• design, conduct and coordinate field and laboratory research, while also taking an active, hands-on role in carrying out experiments;
• develop research proposals and establish new research directions in collaboration with colleagues and external partners;
• build and maintain a relevant network of researchers, fruit growers, industry partners and policymakers;
• publish and present research findings and translate them into practical applications for the (Dutch) sector.

Your team

You will join the WUR Fruit Innovation Centre in Randwijk.

Our approach combines:

• a multidisciplinary approach;
• early-warning and monitoring tools, crop management practices, biological control and the targeted, careful use of chemical pesticides;
• integration of these elements into existing and new cropping systems;
• the development of practical solutions;
• knowledge sharing and strengthening the skills of crop advisors and fruit growers.

You will also be part of the Entomology Expert Team.

Location

The position is based in Randwijk, the Netherlands.

You are an enterprising researcher who combines scientific curiosity with a strong practical focus. You identify opportunities for new research directions and collaborations and know how to bring colleagues, fruit growers and other stakeholders together around shared challenges. You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams, take initiative and translate scientific insights into solutions that have a tangible impact on fruit production.

In addition, you have:

• an MSc or PhD in Entomology, Plant Sciences, Ecology or a closely related field;
• experience in entomological research, data analysis and scientific reporting;
• experience in, or a demonstrable interest in, insect ecology and agroecological systems, preferably in fruit production;
• experience in developing research proposals, securing research projects and/or building collaborations with external partners;
• strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate research findings for a wide range of audiences, from fruit growers and industry professionals to the scientific community and policymakers.

Excellent command of Dutch is an essential requirement for this position. You must be able to speak and write Dutch at a minimum of C1 level. You must also have a C1 level of English, both spoken and written.

If your Dutch language skills do not yet meet the required level, you will not be eligible for this position at this time. To further develop your English language skills, you can access support and language courses through Wageningen in’to Language, our language centre.

This position offers plenty of opportunities for professional and subject-matter development. If you do not yet meet all the requirements but bring relevant knowledge, experience and ambition, we would still be delighted to hear from you. We are keen to learn about your perspective and the value you could bring to our team.

You will work here

You will join Wageningen Plant Research (WPR), specialising in fruit production. You will work closely with entomology colleagues across WPR, including those working in arable farming and greenhouse horticulture, as well as with other parts of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), such as the Laboratory of Entomology at Wageningen University. You will also collaborate with external research institutes, industry partners and national and international government organisations.

At WPR, we develop practical, science-based strategies for crop production technology, soil health and crop protection. Our work supports a wide range of stakeholders, including arable farmers, greenhouse growers, fruit growers, vegetable growers, suppliers, traders, government agencies and NGOs.

The Randwijk team consists of approximately 20 staff members. Research is conducted both at the Fruit Research Centre in Randwijk and at commercial fruit-growing businesses throughout the Netherlands.

We invite you to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role. We look forward to receiving your application!

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;
• 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 € 4,220.- and € 6,471.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11). 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.

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 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 Marianne Groot, Group Leader Randwijk, via telephone number: +31 6-51955972 or via email: marianne.groot@wur.nl and/or with Herman Helsen, senior researcher entomology, via telephone number: +31 6-30474815 or via email: herman.helsen@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: 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 November 23, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before October 30, 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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