Researcher Job in Animal Breeding and Genomics at Wageningen University, Netherlands

Are you a researcher with experience in cryoconservation, reproductive biology, genetics, or animal biotechnology? Wageningen University & Research is offering an opportunity for a Researcher in Animal Breeding and Genomics to work on innovative technologies designed to preserve the genetic diversity of livestock, fish, and other farm animal species.

The position focuses on cryoconservation and reproductive technologies, with the broader goal of safeguarding genetic resources and supporting biodiversity. The successful researcher will contribute to the development and improvement of methods for collecting, processing, and storing genetic material, including sperm, embryos, egg cells, and ovarian tissue.

The research covers a wide range of species, from cattle and chickens to sheep, bees, and aquatic species. A particularly important part of the work will be the development of strategies for female cryoconservation, an area with significant relevance to the long-term preservation of animal genetic resources. This position is based within Animal Breeding and Genomics at Wageningen Livestock Research and offers an opportunity to contribute to research with both scientific and practical importance.

The Researcher Animal Breeding and Genomics position at Wageningen University & Research is an opportunity for an experienced scientist to work on cryoconservation, reproductive technologies, and the long-term preservation of animal genetic diversity. The role combines laboratory research with scientific publication, project development, funding acquisition, stakeholder collaboration, and PhD supervision. It is particularly relevant to researchers with expertise in cryobiology, reproductive biology, genetics, genomics, animal biotechnology, or related fields.

With a salary of up to €6,471 gross per month, flexible working arrangements, international relocation support, and an interdisciplinary research environment, the position may be attractive to researchers looking to advance their careers in animal science and genetic resource conservation. Interested candidates should review the vacancy carefully, prepare their application early, and verify the current closing date before submitting their application

About the Research Position

The central focus of this role is the development of cryoconservation and reproductive technologies for different livestock and aquatic species. Cryoconservation plays an important role in preserving genetic material for future use. By developing reliable methods for storing sperm, embryos, egg cells, and tissues, researchers can help protect genetic diversity and maintain valuable animal genetic resources.

As a researcher, you will contribute to ongoing research while also helping to develop and expand the team’s research portfolio. The role requires close cooperation with colleagues, industry partners, and research collaborators to ensure that the research remains scientifically strong while also addressing practical needs. The position therefore combines laboratory-based research, scientific collaboration, project development, and communication with external stakeholders.

What Will You Work On?

Your research will focus on cryobiological principles and how they can be applied across livestock and aquatic species. You will work with laboratory research assistants to develop new technologies and protocols for storing genetic material. The position also involves contributing to the development of in vitro fertilization, or IVF, protocols in the laboratory.

The research may involve genetic material from a broad range of farm animal species. This diversity makes the position particularly suitable for researchers interested in applying reproductive and cryobiological knowledge across different biological systems. You will also report and present research findings to scientific audiences and stakeholders. In addition, the role includes contributing to the acquisition of new projects and research funding. Another important responsibility will be supervising a PhD student participating in the European Consortium CryoStore.

Key Responsibilities

As a researcher in cryoconservation, you will conduct research into cryobiological principles and their application across livestock and aquatic species. you will collaborate with laboratory research assistants to develop new technologies and protocols for storing genetic material and to develop IVF protocols.

The role also involves communicating research outcomes through presentations and reports for scientific audiences and relevant stakeholders. You will contribute to developing new research opportunities and acquiring project funding. In addition, you will supervise a PhD student within the European Consortium CryoStore. Together, these responsibilities create a role that combines scientific research, laboratory innovation, project development, stakeholder engagement, and academic supervision.

The Centre of Genetic Resources

A significant part of your activities will take place within the Centre of Genetic Resources (CGN) programme, which forms part of Animal Breeding and Genomics. CGN carries out statutory research tasks focused on preserving genetic diversity in farm animals and aquaculture. Its work includes gene banking, research, and advisory services.

The organization operates through research projects and places strong emphasis on teamwork. Researchers work with stakeholders and partners at national and international levels, including academic institutions, industry, governments, and livestock farmers. This collaborative environment is important because genetic resource conservation requires cooperation between scientific researchers and the organizations responsible for managing and using animal genetic resources.

Research Areas at Animal Breeding and Genomics

The wider research environment covers several areas of animal science and genetics. Research activities include cryoconservation of genetic material, big data analytics, breeding value estimation, phenotyping of novel traits across different species, and bioinformatics.

Working within this environment can provide opportunities to interact with scientists from different disciplines and contribute to research projects that combine laboratory science, genetics, genomics, data analysis, and animal breeding. The position is therefore suited to a researcher who is comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries and collaborating with scientists with different technical backgrounds.

Who Should Apply?

This position is aimed at researchers who are proactive, collaborative, flexible, and focused on achieving practical research outcomes. You should be comfortable taking initiative and working toward clearly defined research objectives. The role also requires an ability to understand client and stakeholder needs and to bring different parties together around complex research projects.

Because the work takes place in an international and multidisciplinary environment, strong communication and collaboration skills are important. The successful candidate should enjoy working with scientists from different backgrounds and be able to contribute effectively to diverse research teams.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a PhD and relevant professional experience in an area such as reproductive biology, cryobiology, genetics, animal biotechnology, genomics, or a related field. A solid understanding of animal reproductive biology, genetic resource management, genetics, genomics, and animal or fish physiology is expected.

Experience with cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, or tissues is particularly relevant. Experience working with livestock species would be an advantage. The position also requires a scientific track record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. Beyond technical qualifications, the vacancy highlights several key competencies, including being proactive, collaborative, flexible, client-oriented, and result-oriented.

English and Dutch Language Requirements

The position is part of an international working environment where communication increasingly takes place in English. For this role, the required English level is C2. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage, although the vacancy does not state it as a mandatory requirement. Candidates should therefore be comfortable communicating scientific information clearly in English, both within research teams and when working with external partners and stakeholders.

Salary and Employment Conditions

Wageningen University & Research offers a competitive salary for this researcher position. Depending on experience, the gross salary is stated as €3,554 to €6,471 for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the Wageningen Research Collective Labour Agreement and salary scale 10/11.

For this position, a working arrangement of between 32 and 36 hours per week can also be discussed. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and the organization’s financial situation. The position therefore offers flexibility in working hours while providing the opportunity to develop within an internationally oriented research organization.

Employee Benefits

Wageningen University & Research offers a range of employment benefits alongside the salary. These include flexible working arrangements designed to support work-life balance, sabbatical and study leave, partially paid parental leave, and a strong focus on employee vitality.

Employees can also use sports facilities on campus for a small fee. The employment package includes a fixed 8.3% year-end bonus and an excellent pension scheme. Wageningen also emphasizes professional development and internal mobility, providing opportunities for employees to develop their careers within the organization.

Working at Wageningen University & Research

The successful candidate will work within Animal Breeding and Genomics at Wageningen Livestock Research. Wageningen University & Research is an international university and research organization focused on life sciences and issues related to agriculture, food, health, and the living environment.

Its research approach emphasizes collaboration between different disciplines, making it a suitable environment for researchers working on complex problems that cannot be addressed through a single scientific field. For this particular role, the combination of animal genetics, reproductive technologies, cryobiology, genomics, and genetic resource management creates a strongly interdisciplinary research setting.

Opportunities for International Researchers

International applicants are welcome to consider this position. Wageningen University & Research has an established international community and provides support for employees relocating to the Netherlands. Because employees are expected to work and live in the Netherlands, the university’s advisors can assist with Dutch immigration procedures and visa applications for employees and, where applicable, their families.

International employees may also receive support with practical matters such as housing, opening a bank account, and schooling. For employees arriving with a partner, Wageningen’s Welcome Center offers a Dual Career group programme designed to help partners become familiar with Dutch culture and the labour market and to support their job search. The vacancy also notes that certain categories of international staff may qualify for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands, subject to the applicable requirements.

Career Development

The role provides opportunities for professional and scientific development. Because the researcher will be involved in laboratory research, scientific publications, project development, funding acquisition, stakeholder communication, and PhD supervision, the position offers experience across several dimensions of an academic and research career.

The combination of technical expertise in cryoconservation and experience with project-based research can be valuable for future careers in animal biotechnology, reproductive science, genetic resource management, livestock research, aquaculture, genomics, and related areas.

This position offers an opportunity to work on a scientific challenge with long-term importance for livestock, aquaculture, biodiversity, and genetic resource management. The preservation of animal genetic diversity requires effective technologies for collecting and storing genetic material. Cryoconservation can play an important role in ensuring that genetic resources remain available for future research, breeding, and conservation efforts.

The role also extends beyond laboratory work. The researcher will participate in project development, scientific communication, collaboration with external partners, research funding activities, and PhD supervision. For an experienced researcher with a background in cryobiology, reproductive biology, genetics, animal biotechnology, or related disciplines, the position offers the opportunity to combine scientific expertise with practical applications in genetic resource conservation.

Application Process:

Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University & Research vacancy system: https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/researcher-animal-breeding-and-genomics The vacancy states that applications can be submitted up to and including Sunday, August 30, 2026.

The first interviews are scheduled for September 3, 7, and 8, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Sunday, August 9, 2026. As part of the selection process, an assessment may also be included in the recruitment procedure.

Contact Information

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Esther Ellen, Head of department of the Animal Breeding and Genomics department of Wageningen Livestock Research, via phonenumber: +31 317 481890 or via email: esther.ellen@wur.nl.  Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Researcher Animal Breeding and Genomics position about?

The position focuses on cryoconservation and reproductive technologies designed to preserve genetic diversity in livestock, fish, and other farm animal species.

What type of genetic material will be studied?

The research may involve sperm, embryos, egg cells, and ovarian tissue from a range of livestock and aquatic species.

Is livestock experience required?

The vacancy asks for experience with cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, or tissues and states that experience in livestock would ideally be relevant.

What degree is required?

Applicants should have a PhD in reproductive biology, cryobiology, genetics, animal biotechnology, genomics, or a related field.

Is a publication record required?

Yes. The vacancy asks for a scientific track record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.

What will the researcher do in the laboratory?

The researcher will collaborate with laboratory assistants to develop technologies and protocols for storing genetic material and to develop IVF protocols.

Will the position involve supervising students?

Yes. One of the responsibilities is supervising a PhD student within the European Consortium CryoStore.

What English level is required?

The required English level for the position is C2. Dutch is considered an advantage.

What is the salary?

The stated gross salary is between €3,554 and €6,471, depending on experience, for a full-time 36-hour working week.

Can the working hours be adjusted?

Yes. The vacancy states that a working arrangement of between 32 and 36 hours per week can be discussed.

How long is the initial contract?

The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and the organization’s financial situation.

What benefits are offered?

Benefits include flexible working arrangements, sabbatical and study leave, partially paid parental leave, an 8.3% year-end bonus, pension benefits, and access to campus sports facilities.

Is international relocation support available?

Yes. Wageningen University & Research provides support with Dutch immigration and visa procedures and offers practical assistance for international employees relocating to the Netherlands.

When is the application deadline?

The main vacancy text states August 30, 2026, while the vacancy metadata lists August 31, 2026. Applicants should verify the current deadline on the official vacancy page because the position may also be filled before the closing date.

When are the first interviews?

The first interviews are scheduled for September 3, 7, and 8, 2026.

Where is the position located?

The position is based in Wageningen, Netherlands, within Animal Breeding and Genomics at Wageningen Livestock Research.