Your job
Are you a marine economist or aquaculture researcher who will support public and private policy makers in making decisions on sustainable use of the seas and oceans, balancing economic, social and ecological impacts? Do you want to contribute towards future-proofing the economy in the Netherlands and beyond? If so, we have several interesting research positions for you at Wageningen Economic Research.
We are facing many challenges in marine and coastal areas: rising sea levels due to climate change, decreasing water quality, declining biodiversity and increasing competition for space. At the same time, marine and coastal areas offer opportunities for biodiversity restoration, seaweed cultivation as an alternative protein source and other uses, and renewable energy production. These opportunities call for careful balancing of interests of public, private, and societal actors, and raises questions such as how we can strengthen marine biodiversity and ecosystems, while producing renewable energy as well as enough healthy and safe food in a sustainable and fair way. We work every day to answer such questions.
Wageningen Economic Research, focuses on a national and international market of governments, NGOs and business with research results and advice, in close collaboration with world leading research experts within Wageningen University and Research. The impact of our work is directly visible in government policy and business decisions.
The research position falls under the expertise group Green Economy and Land Use, one of seven expertise groups within Wageningen Economic Research. The role focusses on the economic perspective and sustainable development of marine and coastal areas and aquatic systems, through research on global challenges such as climate-neutral food production, a nature-inclusive environment, water safety and biodiversity restoration and stakeholder engagement.
As a researcher you will conduct international research projects, with an emphasis on economic assessment and decision-making related to aquaculture and blue growth. Other topics regarding marine governance, marine spatial planning or sustainable development of marine environments can be part of your portfolio. You will work in alternating interdisciplinary project teams. These may vary from a few colleagues at Wageningen Economic Research to larger teams and international consortia. You will maintain regular contact with your clients, including the Ministries of LNV and I&W, international organisations and business, and the European Commission (incl. DG MARE). You will present research results in a clear manner, for example through client presentations, workshops, (interactive) reports and scientific publications. Based on these results, you provide independent advice to our clients.
Depending on your experience, you acquire and lead projects and actively maintain your network of relationships in the field of aquaculture. You are a sparring partner for our clients and able to translate their knowledge questions into clear socio-economic research questions and project proposals.
Your qualities
- MSc in environmental economics, maritime economics, aquaculture, marine resource management or agricultural economics, and at least 3 years of work experience in preferably applied research
- interest in and preferably experience with acquisition of international programs such as Horizon Europe and a relevant network in Europe/Brussels consistent with these types of programs;
- understanding of complex political-administrative relations and knowledge of Dutch/European nature, climate and/or food policy;
- experience with project-based work and publication of results, interest in leading research projects;
- experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods and good analytical skills;
- a committed personality who enjoys working in (interdisciplinary) teams, has a customer- and result-oriented attitude, good presentation skills and the ability to perform under pressure; and
- excellent communication skills in Dutch (at least B1) and English (at least C1), both oral and written, additional languages are considered an advantage.
We offer you
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;
- the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- 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 December bonus of 4%;
- 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 € 3.527,- and € 6.229,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-12). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 18th consecutive time.
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.
Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the “30% rule”, certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Gonne Beekman, Team manager Green Economy and Land Use, telephone 0317-484 373 or by e-mail gonne.beekman@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Jeanine van ‘t Veer, Recruiter via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.
Do you already want to get an impression of working at Wageningen Economic Research? Then check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/s3Ymarxh8BA?enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wur.nl
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including July 4, 2023. We hope to schedule the first job interviews as soon possible after the vacancy is closed.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
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, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 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 this video 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.