Database- and Application Engineer - NODE

Do you have experience in database engineering, and would you enjoy working in a vibrant, internationally-oriented ecological research institute? Then we’re looking for you!

What will you be doing?

You will help design, build, and maintain sustainable long-term data infrastructure by developing relational databases for ecological research within the NODE (NIOO Open Data for Ecology) programme. Key responsibilities include:

• Database architecture;
• Data harmonization;
• Metadata design;
• Supporting Open Science initiatives through robust, scalable data systems.

Apart from helping design new databases, you will work as an application and database administrator in the ‘Vogeltrekstation’ team that will be rebuilt within the NODE project. Managing the web application ‘GRIEL’ (a C#-based application backed by a Microsoft SQL database) towards the future is part of this project timeline. Through this application, users manage and export bird ringing and recovery data. You will:

• Maintain and update the application and its database;
• Contribute to a long-term migration of the system to a modern open-source platform in collaboration with multiple partners and developers.

What will you be contributing?

You combine experience in developing and administrating relational databases in several SQL dialects. You are also capable of reading the GRIEL C# code-base and applying small bug fixes where needed. You are used to working in a team and are able to translate the needs of researchers into actionable database solutions. You adhere to open-source programming and are used to working with version control software, such as Git. As an application and database developer and administrator, you have demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server databases and are able to build and execute queries independently. You have experience working in C# or a similar programming language.

Furthermore, you have:

• A relevant qualification at at least a higher professional education (HBO) level or a relevant university degree;
• Some experience in a similar role;
• Proven experience with all standard Microsoft Office applications;
• Knowledge of more than one programming language (works to your advantage);
• Strong communication skills;
• Full Professional Proficiency in English;
• Full Proficiency in the Dutch language (would qualify as a bonus).

What are we offering?

• Full-time position (1.0 FTE) on a fixed-term contract for a period of three years;
• Start date to be agreed;
• Two-month probationary period;
• Based in Wageningen, the Netherlands;
• Monthly gross salary (scale 9) is listed below.

Working at NIOO-KNAW

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW conducts and promotes cutting-edge ecological research on biodiversity, climate change, and the sustainable use of land and water. The NIOO offers a vibrant research community with about 30 nationalities. The NIOO has 4 research departments and a central management and services department.

The Research Support Office is your formal team, a central position in the NIOO with a strong data management focus. You will work closely with the Data Steward of NIOO and the Head of Research Support Office. Practically, you will spend a large part of your time working with Vogeltrekstation.

Vogeltrekstation is one of the Research Infrastructures at NIOO-KNAW aimed at collecting, curating, and exchanging data on ringed birds in the Netherlands to generate knowledge for science, policy, and conservation. Vogeltrekstation manages a network of over 500 volunteer and professional bird ringers and works closely with similar organisations across Europe. The small and dynamic team of four permanent staff is led by the Animal Ecology department of the NIOO-KNAW. You will be based 2 days a week at the Research Support Office and 3 days a week at the Vogeltrekstation at the NIOO.

Would you like to know more?

Further information about this vacancy can be obtained from:

• Werner Smulders (phone: +31 6 23424743, email: w.smulders@nioo.knaw.nl);
• Dr H.P. van der Jeugd (tel: 0317-47 34 63, email: h.vanderjeugd@nioo.knaw.nl).

Information about the NIOO can be found at http://www.nioo.knaw.nl.

How to apply

Please send a CV and a cover letter in which you indicate how your work could contribute to the development and administration of new and legacy databases and how your track record could help deliver the work.

• This vacancy is open until 23 August 2026;
• Interviews will take place from 27 August 2026.

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO, we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change, and the sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience, the minimum salary is € 3,708 and the maximum salary is € 5,057 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 9, CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of:

• 8% vacation allowance;
• 8.3% year-end bonus;
• Travel allowance;
• Internet allowance;
• Home working allowance;
• Pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle, or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: Work at the Academy.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion

The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.