Senior Ecologist – Vegetation and Landscape Ecology
Your job
Are you an experienced ecologist with in-depth knowledge of Dutch flora, vegetation, and landscapes? Do you thrive on applied research and enjoy staying at the forefront of ecological science? Are you passionate about solving urgent environmental and societal challenges through vegetation science and landscape ecology? Then we’re looking for you!
About the Role
To strengthen our Vegetation and Landscape Ecology (VLE) team, we are seeking a senior researcher who brings:
Up-to-date expertise in Dutch flora, vegetation types, and landscape ecology
Familiarity with the latest scientific developments, both nationally and internationally
You will lead and contribute to applied research projects focused on nature conservation and restoration. Your work will inform a broad range of stakeholders—from EU, national, and regional policymakers to nature managers—helping shape decisions that impact ecosystems and biodiversity.
What You’ll Do
Design and conduct research on monitoring, protecting, and restoring (semi-)natural systems, habitats, and endangered species
Analyse ecological data, carry out policy-relevant studies, and translate findings into actionable insights
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and Dutch-language reports and articles
Contribute to project acquisition and eventually lead new initiatives
Mentor junior ecologists and foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Who You Are
A senior ecologist with a strong academic and applied background
Passionate about ecological restoration and policy impact
Skilled in scientific writing and stakeholder communication
A proactive team player and mentor
Your qualities
Good communication skills and excellent command of the Dutch language (spoken and written), with good command of English (essential)
A completed Master’s degree in Biology or Forest and Nature Management
Knowledge of Dutch nature policy, including the Nature Directives and Nature Restoration Regulation
Extensive experience in conducting field research on Dutch flora, vegetation, landscapes, and abiotic processes
Familiarity with Natura 2000 research and policy, and abiotic factors (preferred)
Experience with project management and working in project-based environments (preferred)
Proficiency in statistical techniques, R, and/or GIS (recommended)
We offer
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 €4.045 and €7.068 for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-12). 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.
Do you want more info?
For more information about the position, please contact Marta Perez Soba, team leader, email: marta.perez-soba@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@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 until and including December 1st 2025. We assess applications continuisly and may invite suitable candidates before the deadline.
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.
We are
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.