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Job Wageningen University and Research Centre - Assistant professor Sensory Science and Biology (Tenure Track)

Assistant professor Sensory Science and Biology (Tenure Track)

Job description

The new chair of Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour is strategically positioned between the Division of Human Nutrition and the Product Design and Quality Management group (PDQ) of Wageningen University. The chair focuses on the role of sensory signals for food choice and food intake. Two scientific staff members have recently been appointed, an experimental psychologist with experience in neuro-imaging, and a food technologist with experience in psychophysics. There is one vacancy left, i.e. on the area of sensory science and biology. Together with the chair holder, these three persons form the nucleus of a new group on this exciting field.
As Assistant Professor in sensory science and biology, you are responsible for research in the field of the physiological and sensory signals that are involved in food choice and the regulation of food intake. One of the major challenges is the understanding of the impact of sensory signals from food on the metabolic consequences. We also want to know the gastro-intestinal signals that contribute to the liking of food products. The understanding of these issues yields tools to develop “healthy” attractive foods. For example, within the context of a current research project we work on the identification of taste and aroma profiles that induce early satiation. Research areas may include: physiological contribution to sensory liking; taste and smell in health and disease; physiology and/or neuro-endocrinology of hunger and satiety in relation to properties of foods; communication between the gastro-intestinal tract and the brain; regulation of food intake in the context of the obesity epidemic.
Research is partly carried out in collaboration with other groups in Wageningen and vicinity (e.g. Hospital Gelderse Vallei). Teaching involves participation in the BSc programmes of Nutrition and Health, Food Technology and courses within the context of the new European MSc in Sensory Science, which starts in the academic year 2009-2010

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious assistant professor, a person that feels strong responsibility for setting up a research line and teaching programme within the domain of Sensory Science and Biology.
• PhD within the field of Human Nutrition, Physiology, Psycho-biology, Neuro-endocrinology
• Knowledge, expertise with respect the regulation of food intake and/or sensory science with publications in relevant scientific journals
• Proven ability for acquisition of funding of scientific research
• Ambitious and enthusiastic scientist
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player with good sense of political environment
• Didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with BSc, MSc and PhD students.

Conditions of employment

We offer a challenging career trajectory called Tenure Track. Training and coaching are provided and interdisciplinary (international) cooperation is stimulated. You will also be given the chance to build up your own research line. From the position of Assistant Professor you may grow into a Professor holding a Personal Chair. For more information about Tenure Track within Wageningen UR look at http://www.wur.nl/UK/work.

Gross salary: from € 3195 to € 4374 (schaal 11) based on full time employment and dependent on expertise and experience.
Hay-profile: assistant professor-2

Contract type

Temporary

2 years, with the possibility of extension after a positive evaluation.

Organisation

Wageningen University and Research Centre

Additional information

Prof. Kees de Graaf, Division of Human Nutrition
+31 317 484451
Kees.deGraaf@wur.nl

Dhr. R. van Meegen, HRM Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group
+31 317 485466
Rob.vanMeegen@wur.nl

 

The short URL code for this job opening is: 2184
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