Researcher quantitative genetics in the area of sustainable breeding Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Are you an enthusiastic researcher with a passion for quantitative genetics and sustainable animal breeding? Join a dynamic team working on innovative projects in livestock and aquaculture, focusing on health, welfare, and environmental efficiency. Collaborate with international experts and industry partners to develop cutting-edge solutions. Enjoy flexible working hours, sabbaticals, and access to sports facilities, all within an inspiring and international environment. Read on for more information about this exciting opportunity.

Your job

Are you the enthusiastic researcher with a background in quantitative genetics? Are you interested in solving (scientific) questions and generate new applications in collaboration with stakeholders? Are you interested in working in a contract research organization, closely collaborating with livestock industry and contribute to societal issues and sustainable breeding? Then this role is a great opportunity for you!

In this role you are going to contribute (quantitative genetic analyses) to projects in the field of sustainable animal breeding. This includes health and welfare of animals, but also climate and nutrient efficiency, in different livestock species (including aquaculture and insects). You will be involved in different projects, and each project will consist of a team of researchers working on different disciplines important for that project.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a researcher will be:

• Contribution to existing projects related to sustainable animal breeding in different species;
• Generating new animal breeding applications for the livestock sector and contribute with animal breeding to societal issues;
• Performing quantitative genetic analyses focusing on traits related to for example health, microbiome, methane emission;
• Working in an interdisciplinary set-up and collaborate with researchers within Wageningen University & Research and from (inter)national knowledge institutes. You will also work with private partners (industry) and end-users, in- and outside the organization;
• Writing scientific publications and present results on conferences, but also be involved with industry meetings.

You will work here
Wageningen Livestock Research (WLR) explores the role of animals in the food system; and strives to improve the quality of life for humans, animals and nature. We create science based solutions for a sustainable and profitable livestock and aquaculture sector. Together with our clients and partners, we integrate scientific knowledge and practical experience to develop livestock and aquaculture concepts for future generations. WLR carries out fundamental and applied research in the fields of animal production and food security, systems innovations, economy, ecosystem services, environment, grass & forage systems, aquaculture, animal nutrition, breeding & genomics and animal health & welfare.

Your team
You are going to work within the Animal Breeding and Genomics team, which is a close collaboration between the University and WLR and has a research team. You are going to collaborate with approximately 100 highly motivated project leaders, researchers, PhD students and analysts. We are known for our expertise on animal breeding, biological understanding of traits of cattle, swine, poultry and fish and sensor technology and big data analyses. We perform research in quantitative genetics, genomics, animal breeding programs and genetic diversity, across the major species. Most of our research challenges require a multidisciplinary approach.
Your qualities

You are a result-oriented and enthusiastic researcher, especially with an interest in quantitative and numerical genetics, and sustainable animal breeding. You have the competences to solve (scientific) problems in collaboration with colleagues and relevant stakeholders.

To work within our interdisciplinary team, where different projects are running, you also possess:

• A PhD and work experience in animal breeding.
• A strong affiliation with quantitative genetic analyses.
• Experience with working in different projects.
• Ability to work in a team of diverse scientists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Scientific track record with publications.
• Good organizational and excellent communication skills (both spoken and written in English), but also Dutch is an advantage.
• Key competences: pro-active, collaborative, flexible, client and result oriented.

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;
• 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 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 €3.234,- and €6.008,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). You will initially receive a one-year contract, with the intention – under unchanged conditions - to offer a permanent position after three years. 

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 with your work you have a clear and positive impact on society. At WUR we work on the most pressing challenges of our time, like climate change and feeding the world in a sustainable way. 

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.

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.
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 for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.
Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Roel Veerkamp, head of Department Animal Breeding and Genomics (via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina. or +31 (0)317 480540) or Esther Ellen, deputy head of Department Animal Breeding and Genomics (via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina. or +31 (0)317 481890).

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 19 June 2025. The first interviews are scheduled for 14 and 15 July, 2025

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.