Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
Institution: Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Position type: Research Scientist
Field: Biological Control, Crop Protection, Plant Pathology, Microbiology
Educational level: Master’s degree; PhD is an advantage
Salary: €3,554–€7,337 gross per month
Working hours: 32–36 hours per week
Contract: 1-year initial contract, with possible extension
Application deadline: September 14, 2026
APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN
Apply by September 14, 2026
WUR reviews applications on a rolling basis, so the position may close before the stated deadline.
About the position
Wageningen University & Research is looking for an ambitious scientist with expertise in biological control and crop protection to join Wageningen Plant Research in the Netherlands.
The position focuses on developing sustainable approaches to managing diseases and pests in agriculture and horticulture through the use of microorganisms. The successful candidate will contribute to applied research projects and work with multidisciplinary teams and partners from science, industry and government.
The role offers considerable independence and responsibility. The researcher will be involved in developing and acquiring new projects, coordinating and conducting research, managing ongoing projects, sharing scientific knowledge and translating research findings into practical applications for sustainable food production.
Research areas
The position is particularly relevant to researchers working in areas such as:
- Biological control
- Crop protection
- Plant pathology
- Microbiology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Soil health
- Microbiome research
- (Meta)genomics
- Entomology
- Nematology
- Bacteriology
- Ecological and agricultural research
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Acquire, coordinate, lead and conduct research projects on biological control.
- Work within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Report research outcomes through scientific publications, reports, presentations and other communication channels.
- Supervise project staff, interns and students.
- Build relationships with clients and research partners.
- Translate scientific questions into relevant and feasible research projects.
- Develop practical applications and recommendations based on research findings.
Who can apply?
WUR is looking for a proactive researcher with a background in plant pathology, agriculture, horticulture or a related field and a strong interest in sustainable crop protection.
Candidates should have experience or a strong interest in areas including biological control, crop protection, phytopathology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, statistics and knowledge valorisation.
Project management, networking and communication skills are also important for this position. A PhD is considered an advantage, but the advertised educational level includes a Master’s degree.
Excellent English communication skills are required, corresponding to a C1 level. Knowledge of Dutch is highly desirable, although candidates who do not yet speak Dutch are expected to be willing to learn it.
Salary and employment conditions
Wageningen University & Research offers a gross salary between €3,554 and €7,337 per month, depending on experience, based on a 36-hour working week. A 32-hour working week can also be discussed.
The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and organisational circumstances.
The position also includes employment benefits such as an 8.3% year-end bonus, pension arrangements, study and sabbatical leave and partially paid parental leave.
International applicants
WUR welcomes international candidates. Applicants from outside the EU/EFTA may be subject to Dutch and EU immigration requirements.
WUR provides support with visa procedures and offers additional assistance to international employees, including information about housing, banking, schooling and relocation. Certain categories of international staff may also qualify for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.
Why this opportunity is interesting
This position could be particularly attractive for researchers who want to combine fundamental scientific knowledge with applied research and real-world impact.
The role goes beyond conducting experiments. It involves developing new research projects, working with external partners, supervising researchers and translating scientific results into practical solutions for sustainable crop protection.
The interdisciplinary environment is another strong point, with opportunities to collaborate across microbiology, plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, microbiomes, genomics, entomology and related fields.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University & Research recruitment website. Only applications submitted through the WUR website will be considered.
Application deadline: September 14, 2026
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, the position may close before the stated deadline.
Official source:
https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/scientist-biological-control-based-microbiology
Contact
Position: Carolien Zijlstra
Email: [email protected]
Recruitment: Dax Teunissen
Email: [email protected]
Last checked: August 24, 2026