HSE Advisor

Your job

How will you contribute to safe and responsible groundbreaking research?

At Wageningen University & Research, you will work as an HSE Advisor in an environment where safety and innovation go hand in hand. From laboratories and experimental fields to offices and research facilities, you will support researchers and colleagues in carrying out their work safely, responsibly, and sustainably.

You translate legislation and regulations into practical solutions that work in the day-to-day research environment. As a trusted advisor, sparring partner, and driver of continuous improvement, you help identify risks before they arise and contribute to a strong safety culture built on awareness, ownership, and continuous learning.

This is far more than a conventional HSE role. You will be working at the heart of an international and passionate research organisation, directly supporting research with societal impact in areas such as food safety, climate, and the living environment.

The Environmental Sciences Group (ESG) of Wageningen University & Research is looking for an HSE Advisor who is committed to ensuring that researchers can work in a safe and responsible research environment—whether at their desks, in laboratories, or out in the field.

What will you do?

As an HSE Advisor, you act as a trusted advisor and discussion partner for researchers, managers, occupational health and safety specialists, and external stakeholders. You are able to translate legislation and regulations into practical, workable solutions.

Your responsibilities include:

• Providing proactive advice on health, safety, occupational well-being, and environmental matters;
• Translating legislation and regulations into practical procedures, protocols, and work instructions;
• Serving as the primary point of contact for topics such as hazardous substances, biological safety, permits, and emergency response (BHV);
• Conducting and coordinating Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) processes and initiating improvement measures;
• Coordinating internal audits and ensuring effective follow-up of findings;
• Contributing to the further development of the safety culture within ESG;
• Acting as the designated Prevention Officer, following formal appointment.

In accordance with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), you are responsible for:

• Contributing to the preparation and implementation of the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E);
• Advising and working closely with occupational health and safety experts and the Works Council;
• Supporting the implementation of occupational health and safety measures.

In line with ESG policy, you are also responsible for:

• Recording and analysing incidents and reports in the incident monitoring system, identifying trends, and advising on improvement measures;
• Coordinating collaboration with the Emergency Response Organisation (BHV).

Who are we?

You will become part of the Risk & Compliance team within the Environmental Sciences Group (ESG). As a member of this team, you will work closely with colleagues specialising in health and safety, quality management, information security, privacy, and risk management.

You will report to the Head of Risk & Compliance and serve as a trusted advisor to management, researchers, and operational teams on HSE-related matters.

In addition, you will collaborate closely with occupational health and safety professionals across Wageningen University & Research, helping to connect and strengthen knowledge, expertise, and best practices throughout the organisation.

Your workplace will be the Wageningen Campus—an international, green, and highly innovative environment where cutting-edge research and collaboration come together.

Your qualities

For this role, we are looking for an experienced HSE professional with a strong foundation in health, safety, and environmental management.

You bring: