Secretary Research Ethics Committee Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Do you have an affinity for the ethical aspects of scientific research involving human participants? As Secretary for the Research Ethics Committee, you'll oversee the ethical review process of such projects, playing a pivotal role in upholding ethical standards and supporting researchers. You’ll be part of an international atmosphere with a focus on work-life balance, enjoying benefits like partial parental leave, sabbatical options, campus sports facilities, and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Continue reading to see why we could be your next step.

Your job

Do you have an affinity with the ethical aspects of scientific research involving human participants? Are you decisive and a strong communicator? And does working in an international environment appeal to you as an exciting challenge?

We are looking for 2 Secretaries (both 16 hours) for the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) for non-medical research (WUR - REC). As Secretary for the REC, you will be responsible for the efficient and effective coordination of the ethical review process for research projects involving human participants. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding ethical values in research and supporting researchers and the committee in the ethical review of research proposals.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• point of contact from REC for researchers regarding the ethical review of research;
• organizing and actively participating in meetings with the committee;
• monitoring and ensuring the completeness of submitted research project applications. Contributing to the substantive review, particularly in the area of privacy and data security. Communicate to researchers based on the results of the review (such as necessary revisions or approval). Coordinating broad reviews where necessary and discussing them at meeting. Monitoring revisions and following up on them;
• creating and archiving files.

Your team
You will primarily work with the chair of the committee and the members of the REC. You will collaborate with researchers who are preparing and applying to the research ethics committee at WUR, and with the WUR privacy officers.
Your qualities

• you have an academic level of working and thinking;
• you have experience in or affinity with scientific research and (assessing) its ethical aspects;
• you have a good knowledge of the GDPR;
• you have good communication skills. Speaking and writing English is no problem for you (the working language for this position is mainly English);
• you always look for solutions and know how to set the right priorities and coordinate them;
• finally, you are proactive, can work independently as well as collaborate well with others, have analytical skills, and are service-oriented.

Our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B2.

You will work here
Wageningen University & Research, with basis in the Social Sciences Department.
We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3708,- and €5057,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 9).

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.

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. 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.
Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Spencer Moore, Professor, via email: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, corporate recruiter, via email: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

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 and until 31 October 2025. 

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 and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.