Career at WUR

Over Ons

Plenty of variety and challenges, pleasant working atmosphere, time for personal development, proper work-life balance, internationally leading.

De Rol

As a laboratory technician, you will process plankton samples collected during surveys at sea. These samples consist of fish eggs, larvae, and fish gonads (reproductive organs). You will accurately record the results of these analyses in data templates and specific software applications.

Verantwoordelijkheden

• Sorting and analyzing samples using microscopy and image analysis techniques.
• Preparing histological sections.
• Documenting and entering data and processing results.

Team en Locatie

You will work alongside approximately four colleagues in a close and dedicated research team at Wageningen Marine Research based in IJmuiden. Together with this group of specialists, you will contribute to the successful delivery of a wide range of projects.

Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is one of the nine research institutes that form part of Wageningen Research. WMR is a leading independent research institute with locations in IJmuiden, Den Helder, and Yerseke, specializing in both strategic and applied marine ecological research. Its products and services are delivered through projects and cover a broad range of activities, including field studies, experiments at realistic scales, exploratory laboratory studies, data management, and modeling.

Jouw Kwaliteiten

You are able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently. You work accurately and carefully, enabling you to handle samples and data reliably within our laboratory environment.

Vereisten

• Completed MBO level 4 qualification or equivalent vocational qualification. Candidates with an academic background will not be considered for this position.
• Interest in working with the smallest organisms found in the marine environment.
• Demonstrable affinity with microscopy work.
• Proficiency in the Dutch language (minimum level B2).
• Laboratory experience and basic proficiency in the English language (A2 level) are considered an advantage.

Wat We Bieden

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 for the best possible work-life balance.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave.
• Strong focus on vitality.
• A fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a competitive gross salary of between €2,884 and €3,554 for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 5). Additionally, a contract for 24 to 36 hours can be discussed. We initially offer a one-year contract.

If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. We encourage development and internal mobility within our organization. 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.

You will work in an international and open working environment.

Komend van Buitenaf

Due to Dutch immigration laws, candidates from outside the EU/EFTA zone can usually not be hired for this position. More information can be found on the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research center 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 Dutch culture, the labor market, and assists your partner in finding 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 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.

Belangrijke Informatie

For more information about the position, please contact Ewout Blom, senior Plankton specialist, via email: ewout.blom@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: dax.teunissen@wur.nl.

Klaar om te Solliciteren?

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 Sunday, September 20, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 29, 2026.

Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.

Welkom, Veilig, en Waardering

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.

Wij zijn: Wageningen Marine Research

WMR is a leading, independent research institute with locations in IJmuiden, Den Helder, and Yerseke that focuses on strategic and applied marine ecological research. Products and services are executed on a project basis (more than 400 research projects annually) and vary from field research to experiments on a realistic scale, exploratory studies on lab scale, data management, and modeling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. Wageningen Marine Research is an organizational part of Wageningen University and Research, conducting research for both national authorities and specific research programs, international RTD programs, and contract research for private, public, and NGO partners.

Within Wageningen Marine Research (WMR), you will become part of our team in Den Helder surrounded by motivated and driven colleagues with whom you will collaborate regularly. Part of your job will be to ensure that projects are effectively conducted from start to finish. You will work in a challenging and varied environment with the opportunity to contribute to essential research regarding conservation, protection, and sustainability of our seas and marine wildlife. The culture within WMR is professional and engaging with many opportunities for personal development.

Wij zijn

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 specialized 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 organizations 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.