Soil Ecologist

Are you an enthusiastic soil ecologist who is keen on leading projects and eager to initiate and acquire research assignments? Do you have a proactive spirit and a desire to develop and lead impactful research efforts nationally and internationally? Are you interested in research collaborations with knowledge institutions, governments, nature management, and agriculture? If this describes you, then WUR are looking for you!

The Sustainable Soil Management team conducts research on soil quality, soil biology, nutrient use, climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and recycling of agricultural waste streams. Due to high demand for our soil biological research, we are seeking a soil ecologist with expertise in assessing the functioning of soil life and modelling.
In this role, you will:

• maintain strong relationships with clients and transform knowledge questions into applied research;
• contribute to, guide, and coordinate research, carrying it out in collaboration with the team and external research partners;
• translate research results into concrete advice and innovative solutions for clients and other stakeholders;
• publish in scientific journals and communicate complex information effectively to a broad audience;
• pursue alignment and collaboration within the team, the institute, and the broader WUR community, contributing to both the acquisition and the execution of research projects.

Your qualities:

• you have an academic background and a minimum of a few years of work experience in the field of soil ecology; a PhD is considered a plus;
• you possess experience in research related to soil biota, soil biological indicators, and ecosystem functions, along with an understanding of, or a strong desire to learn to develop, models representing soil life and soil functioning;
• you have a proven track record of initiating innovative research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations;
• you are skilled in formulating, setting up, executing, and coordinating both national and international research projects;
• you are proficient in Dutch (or demonstrate a strong willingness to learn) and English, accompanied by excellent communication skills;
• you are proactive, collaborative, client-oriented and result-oriented, effectively anticipating and responding to stakeholder needs.