Assistant Professor of Water Quality and Data Science Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Are you an enthusiastic scientist skilled in mathematical water quality and ecological modeling? Become an Assistant Professor of Water Quality and Data Science, where you'll teach, coordinate courses, and conduct research on plastics in the environment, embracing open science. Join a vibrant academic community that values individual talents and teamwork, offering benefits like sabbatical leave, parental leave, and access to campus sports facilities. Colleagues enjoy working in one of the most innovative campuses globally. Continue reading to find out why this challenge is waiting for you.

Your job

Are you a passionate scientist with expertise in mathematical water quality - and ecological modeling, including the field of microplastics? Do you have experience and affinity with quantitative research, data science, and systems analysis? Do you hold a university teaching qualification or are you willing to obtain one in the near future? If so, please read on!

We are seeking an Assistant Professor of Water Quality and Data Science (1.0 FTE). Your teaching responsibilities will include teaching and coordinating courses, supervising internships, and guiding thesis projects related to water quality, modelling, and data science. The position also involves conducting research, with an initial focus on modelling and data analysis of plastics in the environment. You should be ready to take on these responsibilities promptly, in line with the academic teaching schedule and the group’s research programme.

This position is part of the Academic Career Framework (ACF) at Wageningen University & Research, which has replaced the traditional Tenure Track. This new career framework for all academic staff at Wageningen University started on 9 March 2025. One of the 3 career paths is the Professor Career Path.
The aim of this ACF is to achieve a new balance in recognising and valuing academics where both team collaboration and the unique talent of individual scientists are seen, by creating more differentiation in career paths, putting the emphasis on the quality of work and less on quantitative results, doing justice to the individual qualities and ambitions of academics as much as to team performance, promoting all aspects of open science and encouraging high-quality leadership in the academy.

Your qualities

• Demonstrable affinity with and experience in research related to water quality and/or ecosystem analysis, with a focus on modelling, data science and the application of AI-assisted research tools.
• A PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in bridging the gap between theoretical ecology and practical water quality challenges, such as the environmental impact of microplastics.
• Possession of, or willingness to obtain, a university teaching qualification (BKO).
• A research track record in theoretical ecology and/or water quality, supported by publications in leading scientific journals.
• An inspiring and enterprising approach to science, with the potential to grow into a scientific leader who integrates education and research and collaborates with other AEW staff.
• Experience with probability density functions (PDF) is considered an advantage.
• Ability to contribute constructively to the development of the chair group.
• Strong conceptual and analytical abilities, social awareness, a team-oriented mindset, effective presentation skills, and a focus on achieving results.
• Familiarity with the chair group’s teaching and research activities is considered an advantage.

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 be offered a fixed-term, 18-months contract which, upon positive evaluation, can lead to a permanent employment contract. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 4,728.- and € 7,297.- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11 or 12).

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.

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 the position, please contact: prof dr Bart Koelmans, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina. 
 
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, 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 until 24th of November 2025.

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.