We are looking for a post-doc candidate that will be involved in a collaborative project with several European partners in the ERA-net COFUND call SUSFOOD2. The successful candidate will join an active, interdisciplinary team at the Wageningen Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group, as well as at the Pharmacology division of the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Utrecht University.
Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular of the long chain n-3 type, are considered to have positive effects on a variety of biological functions, including on immunity. Currently, the most important dietary source for long chain n-3 LCPUFAs is the consumption of (fatty) fish. There are, however, sustainability issues connected to consumption of fish. Alternative sources for n-3 LCPUFAs exist, such as algae, specific higher plants, etc. The objective of the project is to determine whether such alternative sources are equally good in providing n-3LCPUFAs as is the 'traditional' fish-source, in terms of bioavailability and of immune-supportive effects.

We are looking for an enthusiastic post-doc candidate that will work on the immunological effects of dietary n-3 LCPUFAs, obtained from sustainable sources, both in an in vitro setting and in a murine model for cow's milk allergy. In addition, the candidate will be involved in the possibilities to stably incorporate such PUFAs into tangible food products, investigating their quality parameters. The candidate will also be involved in data management, and in communication and dissemination activities related to the project.

The successful candidate has:

• A PhD-degree in a topic in which immunology is a main topic is imperative; without this, no need to reflect on this announcement;
• Experience with animal experimentation;
• Experience with in vitro immune assays;
• Active feeling for food science;
• Experience in working in a multidisciplinary team;
• Excellent communication skills as well as excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

A job at an organisation that will challenge you every day to provide our clients with the best possible solution. As post-doc you will be part of an ambitious team working on a wide range of issues with plenty of scope for initiative. Personal input and responsibility are an integral part of our culture.

We offer you a temporary position for 1 year, with a possible extension of 1.5 years. The position is for a maximum of 36 hours per week and a gross monthly salary of minimal € 2.588 rising up to € 4000 depending of the previous working experience (corresponding to salary scale 10 CAO VSNU). We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

UIPS, Pharmacology
The Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) is the research institute of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Utrecht University. UIPS focuses on processes around discovery, development, and use of drugs and medical nutrition using molecular and technological principles from the Natural and Life Sciences. This research is ideally positioned in the Faculty of Science to work on basic scientific problems and to translate new findings into potential solutions to urgent societal medical needs, which are addressed in the Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Every year around 400 peer-reviewed articles are published and around 30 PhD candidates defend their thesis. The Pharmacology division is one of the five pillars of UIPS and is partner in several open source innovation networks.
Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need. For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at www.wur.nl/career.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.