🇳🇱 Wageningen Social & Economic Research (WSER) Traineeship 2026 in the Netherlands – €3,231–€3,312/month 💼🌱

Start your research career in Europe’s leading green innovation hub and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable food systems!

🏫 About the Institution

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) — ranked the Best University in the Netherlands for 20 consecutive years — is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research on food, environment, and sustainable development.

The Wageningen Social & Economic Research (WSER) institute, part of WUR, is now inviting applications for the WSER Traineeship 2026 — a two-year paid program designed for ambitious graduates eager to work on research that connects science and practice in the agrofood, environmental, and sustainability sectors.

You’ll join a diverse team of around 10 trainees and participate in multiple national and international research projects — tackling topics from sustainable agriculture to food system transitions, circular economies, and social innovation.

💰 Financial Benefits

This traineeship provides a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including:

💶 Monthly gross salary: €3,231–€3,312 (based on a 36-hour work week, CAO Wageningen Research scale 8).
🎁 Year-end bonus: 8.3% of annual salary.
🏖️ Sabbatical and parental leave options.
⚖️ Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements for work-life balance.
💪 Access to campus sports facilities at reduced fees.
🏥 Excellent pension scheme and personal development budget.
📈 Opportunities for permanent employment after successful completion.

🧠 Programme Overview

Start Date: 2 March 2026
Duration: 2 years
Locations: Wageningen & The Hague, Netherlands

As a WSER Trainee, you will:
🌿 Work on applied research projects focusing on sustainable and inclusive food systems.
🤝 Collaborate with stakeholders from government, private sector, NGOs, and international institutions (e.g., FAO, EU, World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
🧩 Contribute to bridging science, society, and policy in real-world challenges.
🎓 Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and career development support.
🚀 Participate in innovation projects, team assignments, and personal skill-building sessions.

Your first contact will be a Trainee Coordinator, who guides your integration, learning, and personal growth throughout the program.

👩‍🔬 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in economics, public administration, or data science by 1 March 2026.
• Have no more than one year of professional experience.
• Demonstrate affinity with the agrofood sector and societal challenges (e.g., sustainability, climate, circular economy).
• Preferably have knowledge of primary production systems (e.g., dairy, arable farming).
• Be fluent in English and Dutch (C1 level preferred).
• Possess strong teamwork, communication, and innovation skills.
• Be motivated to contribute to societal impact through applied research.

🌍 Why Join WSER?

You will be working on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, with access to a strong research network, international collaboration opportunities, and a workplace culture built on open-mindedness, diversity, and sustainability.

WSER works closely with:

• Dutch Ministries (Agriculture, Foreign Affairs)
• The European Union
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IKEA Foundation
• Major food companies (FrieslandCampina, Cargill)
• NGOs like the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals and Boer & Natuur

🗓️ Timeline & Selection Process

• Application Deadline: 23 November 2025
• Initial Screening: Late November 2025
• Online Questionnaire: 25–26 November 2025 (motivation & suitability questions + short video response)
• Assessment Day (mandatory): 17 December 2025, 09:00–17:30, WTC Building, The Hague
• Programme Start: 2 March 2026

📝 How to Apply

Apply directly via the official Wageningen University & Research portal:
👉 https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/trainee-wser.htm

Attach your CV and complete the online application form. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

📩 For inquiries: Traineeship.wser@wur.nl