Vacancy
Trainee WSER
Your job
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ENTHUSIASTIC AND AMBITIOUS TALENTS!
Are you interested in the agrofood sector and would you like to use your knowledge as an economist, data scientist, or public administration specialist to create societal impact in this field — including green and blue spaces and global challenges? Would you like to be part of a team of trainees who bring fresh insights and new energy to Wageningen Social & Economic Research (WSER)? Do you want to use your talent to contribute to innovative research, both nationally and internationally? Then we would love to get in touch with you!
How does the trainee programme work?Starting 2 March 2026, you will work and learn simultaneously for two years at Wageningen Social & Economic Research (WSER). You will join a diverse team of around 10 fellow trainees from various academic backgrounds. Your first point of contact is the trainee coordinator, who leads the team, helps you navigate the organization, and supports your personal and professional growth.
You will participate in various research projects across different research teams within WSER, which will allow you to get to know our organization in a unique way. Our projects focus on the transition towards sustainable and inclusive food production and food systems — a broad and international field of work. You will bridge the gap between science and practice, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders. Much of our research influences how food is produced in the Netherlands and abroad. We combine this with economic and social-scientific insights — a combination that sets us apart from many institutes worldwide.
Our clients include national and international governments, the private sector, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. We work for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the IKEA Foundation. We also conduct research for companies like FrieslandCampina and Cargill, and NGOs such as the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals and Boer & Natuur, as well as organizations like the FAO and the World Bank. In these projects, you are a full-fledged team member and will be supervised by a project leader (researcher).
The traineeship also includes participation in various innovation projects (within and outside WSER) that align with your interests and personal competency development.
Through training sessions, projects, team assignments, and a professional network, we offer you both personal and professional growth opportunities. From day one, you will be given responsibility and the freedom to take charge of your own development.
More information about the trainee programme can be found here: Trainee Programme
Your qualities
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
A candidate who:
- Will have obtained a university Master’s degree in economics, public administration, or data science by 1 March 2026;
- Is at the start of their career (maximum one year of work experience) and wants to grow through applied research;
- Has at least an affinity with the agrofood domain and societal challenges;
- Candidates with knowledge of primary production (e.g., dairy farming, arable farming, etc.) are especially encouraged to apply;
- Wants to develop knowledge together with stakeholders and achieve real-world impact;
- Wants to contribute to a better world;
- Is innovative and entrepreneurial;
- Has strong implementation skills and adaptability;
- Enjoys collaboration and communicates clearly.
Language skills:
Candidates with at least C1-level proficiency (CEFR) in both English and Dutch are preferred.
If this description fits you, apply now for the Wageningen Social & Economic Research Trainee Programme!
We offer you
WE OFFER YOU
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;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end 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 between €3,231 and €3,312 (based on a 36-hour work week, scale 8 of the CAO Wageningen Research).
You will receive a two-year contract with intensive, tailored guidance and ample opportunities for personal development. After successful completion of the traineeship, there may be opportunities for permanent employment, provided there is a good mutual match and sufficient work availability.
Wageningen University & Research offers abundant opportunities for growth and development, supported by strong internal mobility and excellent training options.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open atmosphere. For 20 years in a row, WUR has been named the “Best University” in the Netherlands — a title we are proud of!
We work with an open, curious mindset, continuously developing ourselves, each other, and our field of knowledge.
We operate from two locations:
- In Wageningen, at the heart of the international campus.
- In The Hague, in the inspiring atmosphere of the WTC building, close to policymakers and with public transport (RandstadRail) right at the door.
Do you want more information?
MORE INFORMATION?
Would you like more information about the trainee programme? Feel free to contact us via Traineeship.wser@wur.nl or through this link.
Apply no later than 23 November 2025. Use the application button on this page.
If you are selected for the next round, you will receive a digital questionnaire on 25 November, which must be submitted by 26 November. Completing it will take about one hour and includes five open questions about your motivation, suitability for the traineeship, and the WSER themes. You will also be asked to record a short video response to a brief case study.
Candidates selected after this stage will be invited to a live assessment day in The Hague (WTC building) on 17 December 2025, from 09:00 to 17:30 — please keep this date free.
During this session, you will work on a sample project and demonstrate your strengths in group assignments and a presentation.
Please note that attendance on this assessment day is mandatory; exceptions are unfortunately not possible.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.