Researcher genetic resources of trees and shrubs

Are you a researcher with both ecological and genetic expertise in trees, shrubs, and genetic diversity? Do you have a strong interest in conducting applied research into the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources of native trees and shrubs? Are you keen to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of genetic diversity and do you closely follow scientific developments in this field? Then we are looking for you!

For the Sustainable Forest Ecosystems (SFE) team, we are seeking a motivated researcher in genetic resources of trees and shrubs, who brings a combination of genetic expertise and knowledge of forest management. In this position, you will work on current issues related to biodiversity, nature conservation, and the conservation of genetic resources. Through the Centre for Genetic Resources the Netherlands, you will make a concrete contribution to the conservation of autochthonous trees and shrubs in the Netherlands, both in situ and in field and seed collections.

What will you do?

• Research & analysis: You will independently and collaboratively conduct applied research into the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources of tree and shrub species.
• Knowledge sharing: You will analyse and interpret data, and translate findings into clear publications (scientific articles, Dutch-language reports, and professional publications).
• Strategic advice: You will advise policymakers and practitioners on effective strategies for conserving genetic resources and actively contribute to their implementation within various projects.
• Innovation: Maintain a strong awareness of emerging scientific insights and integrate these into your research activities.
• Networking and project acquisition: You will play a role in acquiring new, challenging research projects.

We are looking for a motivated researcher with strong subject-matter expertise and a strong analytical mindset with at least three years of relevant work experience. You bring:

• Education: An academic background at MSc or PhD level in a relevant discipline such as Forest and Nature Management, Biology, or a closely related field.
• Expertise: Demonstrable taxonomic knowledge of tree and shrub species native to the Netherlands, alongside advanced understanding of genetic resource conservation and forest ecology.
• Technical proficiency: Experience with GIS, databases, and genetic and statistical methodologies; familiarity with R is considered an asset.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Dutch and English, with proven ability to produce scientific and professional publications.
• Practical: Possession of a valid category B driving license.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.

You will work here 

You will be working In the Sustainable Forest Ecosystems (SFE) team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), located on the Wageningen Campus of Wageningen University & Research.

You will be part of an enthusiastic team of approximately 30 colleagues committed to a sustainable future for trees and forests. Our research explores how policy, management, and climate influence ecological processes, and what this means for biodiversity restoration, climate mitigation, the production of timber resources, ecosystem services, and contributions to broader societal goals.

The group working on genetic resources of trees and shrubs within the team is also part of the Centre for Genetic Resources the Netherlands (CGN).

The team offers a stimulating environment combining top-level expertise and young enthusiasm. We provide space for individual initiative, scientific depth, and professional development. You will collaborate closely with colleagues from other WENR teams as well as with researchers from other national and international research institutions.

Would you like to get a first impression of the team? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e63_eMGt

Information about the Centre for Genetic Resources the Netherlands can be found here: https://www.wur.nl/nl/onderzoek-resultaten/kennisonline-onderzoeksprojecten-lvvn/centre-for-genetic-resources-the-netherlands-1.htm

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 €€3399,-  and €6288,- 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. 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.

Coming from abroad
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 Eric Arets, team leader team Sustainable Forest Ecosystems, via +31-6-10811979 or e-mail: eric.arets@wur.nl; or Joukje Buiteveld, senior researcher, via e-mail joukje.buiteveld@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with <name of recruiter>, Corporate Recruiter, via <group email>.

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 January 26 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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