Researcher in Nature-Based Adaptation & Ecology at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands (2026)
The successful candidate will join the Climate Resilience Team at Wageningen Environmental Research and contribute to applied research projects that integrate climate adaptation, biodiversity, water management, and sustainable land-use planning in both the Netherlands and international settings.
Applications are open until 13 July 2026, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the vacancy may close earlier.
About the Position
Climate change is increasing pressure on ecosystems, food production, biodiversity, and water resources. Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as cost-effective and sustainable approaches for building climate resilience while simultaneously improving ecosystem health.
As a Researcher in Nature-Based Adaptation & Ecology, you will help develop scientific knowledge and practical solutions that enable governments, businesses, and communities to adapt to climate change through ecosystem-based approaches.
The role combines ecology, climate science, GIS, ecosystem services, project management, and stakeholder collaboration in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Your Main Responsibilities
The successful researcher will contribute to several key research areas.
Assess Climate Change Impacts
You will evaluate how climate change affects natural ecosystems by studying ecological processes and environmental changes that influence biodiversity, water resources, and ecosystem functioning.
Evaluate Nature-Based Solutions
The role involves assessing how nature-based adaptation and mitigation measures influence:
Biodiversity conservation
Greenhouse gas emissions
Water quality and management
Ecosystem resilience
These assessments will support evidence-based climate adaptation strategies.
Design Climate-Resilient Landscapes
You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to co-create resilient urban and rural landscapes capable of addressing multiple societal challenges simultaneously, including:
Climate adaptation
Biodiversity restoration
Water safety
Water quality
Sustainable land management
Support Large-Scale Implementation
Working with local and regional stakeholders, you will help scale up successful nature-based adaptation and mitigation strategies and translate scientific knowledge into practical implementation.
Conduct Applied Research
You will participate in Dutch and international applied research projects, contributing through:
Scientific research
Project management
Proposal development
Stakeholder engagement
The work is demand-driven while maintaining a strong scientific foundation.
Research Areas
The position covers a broad range of interdisciplinary themes, including:
Climate resilience
Nature-based adaptation
Nature-based mitigation
Biodiversity conservation
Ecosystem services
Water management
Greenhouse gas emissions
Landscape ecology
Climate services
Integrated environmental planning
Research Methods
The successful candidate is expected to have experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Habitat functioning analysis
Ecosystem service assessments
Greenhouse gas emission analysis
Integrated systems analysis
Strong systems thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills are essential.
About the Climate Resilience Team
You will become part of the Climate Resilience Team at Wageningen Environmental Research.
The team develops applied research projects focused on:
Nature-based climate adaptation
Climate services
Urban resilience
Rural resilience
Ecosystem-based solutions
The team works closely with governments, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations to develop practical climate adaptation strategies.
In addition, you will contribute to WUR's strategic programme:
Green Climate Solutions
This initiative promotes collaboration across Wageningen University and international partners to develop innovative climate solutions based on natural systems.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualifications
Master's degree or PhD in:
Ecology
Climate Science
Earth System Science
Environmental Science
Or a closely related discipline
Required Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
Strong Analytical Skills
The ability to analyse complex environmental systems by integrating knowledge from:
Climate science
Ecology
Hydrology
Soil science
Research Experience
Experience with:
GIS
Habitat analysis
Ecosystem services
Greenhouse gas assessments
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in:
Dutch (essential)
English (C1 level)
Fluency in Dutch is a mandatory requirement because of the project's close collaboration with Dutch stakeholders.
Salary and Benefits
Wageningen University & Research offers an excellent employment package.
Salary
€3,399 – €6,228 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Employment Conditions
32–36 hours per week
Initial one-year contract
Possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs
Employee Benefits
Researchers enjoy numerous benefits, including:
Flexible working hours
Additional compensation hours
Sabbatical leave
Study leave
Partially paid parental leave
8.3% December bonus
Excellent pension scheme
Affordable access to campus sports facilities
Professional training opportunities
Internal career development
International Applicants
WUR provides extensive support for international employees, including:
Visa and immigration assistance
Relocation support
Housing guidance
Welcome Centre services
Schooling advice
Banking assistance
Dual Career Programme for partners
Eligible international employees may also qualify for the Dutch 30% tax ruling, reducing taxable income during their first years in the Netherlands.
Why Work at Wageningen University?
Wageningen University & Research is internationally recognized for excellence in environmental and agricultural sciences.
The institution includes:
More than 7,600 employees
Approximately 13,100 students
Research activities across 30 institutes and departments
Researchers work in an open, international environment where interdisciplinary collaboration drives innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University recruitment portal.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly recommended.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Preferred Internal Candidate Deadline: 19 June 2026
Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
Working Hours: 32–36 hours per week
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a postdoctoral position?
No. This is a Researcher position. Applicants with either a Master's degree or a PhD are eligible, provided they meet the required qualifications and experience.
2. What is the main research focus?
The position focuses on nature-based adaptation, biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate resilience, and integrated environmental planning.
3. Is Dutch language proficiency required?
Yes. Fluency in Dutch is essential because much of the work involves collaboration with Dutch stakeholders and public-sector partners.
4. Is GIS experience necessary?
Yes. Experience with GIS and environmental spatial analysis is one of the key technical requirements.
5. What type of projects will I work on?
You will contribute to applied research projects related to:
Climate adaptation
Nature-based solutions
Biodiversity
Water management
Ecosystem restoration
Greenhouse gas mitigation
6. What salary does the position offer?
The salary ranges from €3,399 to €6,228 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
7. Is the contract permanent?
No. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational circumstances.
8. Are international applicants welcome?
Yes. Wageningen University welcomes international researchers and provides extensive relocation and immigration support.
9. Does the position involve project management?
Yes. Researchers are expected to contribute to project management, proposal acquisition, and stakeholder engagement alongside scientific research.
10. When should I apply?
Applications close on 13 July 2026, but recruitment is conducted on a rolling basis, so applying early is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Researcher in Nature-Based Adaptation & Ecology position at Wageningen University & Research is an excellent opportunity for environmental scientists seeking to apply ecological knowledge to real-world climate adaptation challenges. By combining climate science, biodiversity conservation, GIS, ecosystem services, and stakeholder collaboration, this role offers meaningful impact on sustainable landscape management and climate resilience at both national and international levels.
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