Researcher Policy, Governance and Society Regional Development & Spatial Use

Are you an experienced researcher in the field of governance and policy with a social-scientific background who wants to contribute to research on complex issues to enable the regional transitions facing the Netherlands and Europe? Do you have strong project-management skills and a broad, integrated perspective? Then apply now.

As a (senior) Researcher in Policy, Governance and Society within the Regional Development and Land Use team, you will work on the social and policy aspects of various (regional) transitions, both in urban and rural areas. These include climate adaptation, the agricultural transition, the transition to a circular economy, and particularly the spatial and social challenges that arise from these developments.

You bring a fresh, integrated perspective, with solid knowledge of governance and area-based processes, policy and society, and the ability to connect spatial and social issues. With this perspective and expertise, you contribute to solution pathways for both the short and long term. You do this by working in a team on a transformative and systemic approach with regional partners (public and private, knowledge partners and societal stakeholders), and in dialogue with society.

You will be part of our Regional Development and Land Use team. This team consists of a highly diverse, interdisciplinary group of researchers who jointly support regions, cities and areas in navigating the transitions mentioned above. Together with governments, companies and area partners, we combine knowledge, develop new insights, and create innovative methods needed to make these transitions truly possible.

Within our team, you will contribute to Dutch and European research projects in which various transitions are central or converge in a regional context. These range from European projects under the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change to policy-supporting research related to the agricultural transition, the energy transition or their interaction. Highly varied, with a clear focus on enabling (mission-driven) innovation policy.

• You hold an academic degree in Public Administration or Policy Studies, or an equivalent social-scientific degree with a focus on governance, area-based and policy processes, and have at least 5 years of relevant experience in regional development or spatial issues.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following areas is an asset: climate adaptation, regional development, integrated area-based processes, transitions in rural or urban environments, stakeholder participation, societal engagement, and spatial planning (processes).
• You have strong analytical skills, work accurately, and are committed to delivering high-quality results.
• You have demonstrable extensive experience with (qualitative) social-scientific research methods and practical policy research based on case studies for governments, and you have a sharp eye for innovative research methods and critical reflection.
• You are strong in project leadership and project management.
• You have ample experience in acquiring new assignments and collaborating in and building partnerships and (international) research consortia.
• You have strong writing skills and excellent communication abilities. You work independently, are a connector, and act with a team-oriented mindset.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills, in both Dutch and English.

In our international working environment, communication is increasingly in English. For this position, the required language level is at least C1 level of communication skills (writing and speaking) in English is required. Knowledge of the Dutch language, or willingness to learn it, is a prerequisite.

As you can see, the position offers many challenges, which can also be seen as opportunities for development. So even if you do not yet have the complete track record described in the vacancy, but you do have solid work experience, we warmly encourage you to apply.

When it comes to employment conditions, Wageningen University & Research has a lot to offer. Highlights from our collective labour agreement include:

• Working hours that can be arranged in consultation, enabling an optimal work–life balance;
• Sabbatical leave, study leave and partially paid parental leave;
• Strong focus on vitality, with access to campus sports facilities at attractive rates;
• A structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• An excellent pension scheme through ABP.

These excellent secondary employment conditions naturally come with an appropriate salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a market-conform salary ranging from a minimum of € 4,045.- to a maximum of € 7,068.- for a full-time 36-hour work week, in accordance with CAO Wageningen Research (scale 11 or 12 depending on knowledge and experience.). A 32-hour appointment is negotiable.

We offer a one-year contract with the intention of extension. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Wageningen University & Research offers ample opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training options.

You will be working on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 years in a row, we have been voted the “best university” in the Netherlands — something we are proud of.

For more information about this position, please contact:
Bertram de Rooij, Team Leader Regional Development and Land Use – bertram.derooij@wur.nl
or
Remco Kranendonk, Senior Researcher – remco.kranendonk@wur.nl

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@wur.nl.

How to apply
Click the application button for this vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until Thursday 4th of December 2025. 

Procedure
Our selection process may include an assessment as part of the procedure.

Welcome, safe and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) attaches great importance to diversity and inclusion, because we believe that different perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We therefore create a working environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued, regardless of background, identity or experience. Together, we build a culture in which each person’s unique contribution supports the success of our organisation.

​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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