Researcher in Soil Science, Fertilization and Farming Systems

Do you enjoy working on innovative, practice-oriented challenges in arable farming and open-field vegetable production? And would you like to contribute to the integrated sustainability of a sector that matters at Wageningen University & Research? Then this is your opportunity.

-→ Please note that a proficiency in Dutch is required for this position←-

As a researcher, you will apply your knowledge and experience of soil and fertilisation in research into arable farming and open-field vegetable production in the Netherlands. You will work on a wide range of interconnected projects, including PPS Akkerbouw met Ambitie, PPS Bemestings Adviezen Akkerbouw Toekomstgericht and the Farm of the Future. You have an affinity for applied research, bring an objective scientific perspective, and are able to translate research findings into practical recommendations that farmers can act on.

As a Soil and Fertilisation Researcher, you will conduct research, carry out experiments and analyse results. You will develop new research initiatives, design and establish trials and projects, and translate scientific insights into solutions that farmers can put into practice. In doing so, you will look beyond individual issues. Soil, fertilisation, crops, nature, climate and economics are all interconnected. It is precisely these interrelationships that make the work so interesting.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• develop promising innovations for sustainable production systems and soil management in arable farming and open-field vegetable production, in collaboration with the team;
• develop and design new research projects, conduct research, and analyse results using scientific methods;
• lead a range of research and innovation projects;
• communicate research findings to build support among farmers, funders and other stakeholders;
• present results to clients, the agricultural trade press, and through scientific reports and publications;
• work closely with primary-sector farmers and businesses developing new technologies and cropping systems;
• apply an integrated approach that respects people, nature and the environment.

Your team

You will work alongside 22 experts in a range of fields, including soil, water, organic matter, fertilisation and farming systems, to develop innovations in open-field crop production. Together with government, industry and practitioners, we work on solutions for both the short and long term.

Taking an integrated approach to soil and soil management, fertilisation, crop health and cultivation practices, we develop solutions for the sector that focus on both farm profitability and societal objectives, such as reducing emissions and the use of finite resources.

Within Wageningen Plant Research, we collaborate with other teams working on related issues, such as crop health and socioeconomic aspects.

You will work here 

The Soil, Water and Fertilisation team is part of Wageningen Plant Research (WPR), based in Wageningen. The team's experts work from several locations, including Wageningen, Lelystad, Westmaas, Valthermond and Vredepeel. One of these locations can serve as the primary workplace, with Lelystad being the preferred location.

At WPR, we work on innovative solutions for open-field crop production, while also developing applications for greenhouse horticulture.

Within Wageningen Plant Research, researchers work on developing new strategies and technologies for growers, suppliers, customers in the agri-food industry, government bodies and civil society organisations. The research is conducted at various practical research sites and experimental fields, including Wageningen, Lelystad, Vredepeel, Westmaas, Valthermond and De Marke.

What you bring:

• you have a conceptual level of thinking and working, preferably with experience in innovative, future-oriented production systems;
• you are a creative, analytical team player with a proactive approach and a strong focus on results;
• you have broad knowledge of arable farming and open-field vegetable production. Knowledge of data processing and statistical analysis is an advantage;
• you have knowledge of and an interest in the relationships between soil, climate, fertilisation and crop growth;
• you are willing to broaden your expertise and undertake training to further develop your personal skills;
• for this position, proficiency in both Dutch and English at C1 level is desirable. More information about this language level can be found in the document Language Level.

In our international working environment, communication in English is becoming increasingly common. For this position, C1-level proficiency is required in terms of the expected language standard. If you have not yet reached this level, we will of course support you, and you can make use of Wageningen in’to Languages, our language centre.

We recognise that this role offers a range of challenges, which can also be seen as opportunities for professional development. If you do not yet have the full track record outlined in the vacancy but do have solid professional experience, we would still very much encourage you to apply.

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 € 3,554.- and € 6,471.- 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 24 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 Janjo de Haan, senior researcher, phone +31(0)320-291211 or via emial: janjo.dehaan@wur.nl or John Verhoeven, teamleader, phone +31 (0)320-291349 or via email: john.verhoeven@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 23 November 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 29 October 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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