Research assistant ichthyoplankton

For this role it is a requirement that you have a command of the Dutch language. We also we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands.

As a research assistant in ichthyoplankton, you will process and analyse histological samples in accordance with international guidelines. You will work in the laboratory to process samples collected during research surveys at sea. These samples include fish eggs, larvae, gonads, and stomach contents. You will sort and analyse the samples using microscopy, image analysis, and by preparing histological slides. In doing so, you will apply your knowledge and expertise in taxonomy and species identification. Image analysis is carried out on fish eggs and larvae, as well as on histological preparations of fish gonads. You will accurately record your analysis results in data templates and specific software.

Your tasks and responsibilities as a research assistant in ichthyoplankton include:

• Sorting and analysing samples;

• Entering data and processing results;

• Participating in calibration workshops.

Team and location
You will work with a dedicated research team at Wageningen Marine Research, based at our location in IJmuiden. Together with this group of specialists, you will contribute to various projects. Additionally, you will take part in several multi-day surveys at sea each year to collect and process samples.

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;
• 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 €2.749,- and €3.893,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 5-7). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.

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. The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

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

You can work well both in a team and independently. An ideal candidate has a keen eye for maintaining the required quality standards and can perform tasks independently while adhering to established guidelines and deadlines.

Additionally, you possess:

• a completed MBO (secondary vocational education) degree with demonstrable affinity for microscopic work;
• experience in analyzing plankton samples and/or creating and analyzing histological preparations;
• proficiency in the Dutch language.

In our international work environment, English is increasingly used for communication. For this position, the required language level is A2. If you do not yet have this level, we will support you, and you can receive assistance from our language center, Wageningen in’to Language.

For more information about this position, please contact Cindy van Damme, researcher, cindy.vandamme@wur.nl, tel: 0317487078.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter, recruitment.asg@wur.nl

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 September 22, 2025.

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

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.