We are looking for microbiologist on the graduate level with a strong background in molecular biology as well as in fermentation. You will become a member of the Microbial Cell Factories (MCF) Expertise team, that operates within The Bioconversion department within WFBR. The MCF team performs contract research for international private as well as public partners in areas like food, feed, waste treatment, agro, energy and chemical.
You are a creative, driven and practically oriented scientist, with a broad interest in expertises outside your scientific comfort zone, and the ability to pull these elements together. You are a natural team player and quick learner. Customer interaction comes natural to you, and you are able to formulate the right answers by posing the right questions.
Your activities will result in a portfolio of research projects in the field of microbial strain selection & improvement, microbial metabolic engineering and fermentation technology. Besides this, you will publish and present this work in scientific journals and meetings, also with the aim of attracting new customers. You will closely cooperate with the other scientists in your business unit, but also in the Business Unit Fresh Food and Chains in the fields of microbial conversion, biorefinery, sustainable chemistry, but also in fields related to food ingredients.
As we are increasing our efforts in the private sector, our preferred candidate should have proven experience in that area, e.g. experience in the biotechnology driven industry.

The business unit Biobased Products has, next to biorefinery, sustainable chemistry and biobased polymer processing, a leading position in microbial conversion of light, sugars and other substrates into energy carriers, bulk- and fine chemicals, and increasingly, food ingredients. Its foundation is formed by solid expertise in metabolic engineering, protein expression, bioprocess technology and downstream processing. Its R&D facilities not only comprise laboratory scale equipment and bioreactors, but also pilot scale fermentation research facilities (20 L to 1.5 m3), suitable for various processes and organisms, including thermophilic cultures. Currently, we are progressively concentrating on anaerobic production processes.

For this position we request:

• A completed academic education and a PhD in the field of microbial metabolic engineering and fermentation processes
• A results-oriented, entrepreneurial and energetic colleague with a strong personality.
• Excellent communicative skills enabling you to confer with colleagues and clients at all hierarchical levels in the organization. Experience with project leadership, preferably in a matrix organization
• Experience in fermentation using a variety of organisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi)
• Affinity with downstream processing, upscaling and techno economic analysis (TEA)
• Experience in guiding junior employees like AIO's and laboratory personnel
• Proven experience with (participation in) projects with industrial partners
• Experience working abroad, oral and written proficiency in English and Dutch.

A job at a commercial organization that will challenge you every day to provide our clients with the best possible solution. As researcher microbiology 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 a temporary position with an average working time of 36 hours per week for the period of 1 year, with the possibility of an extension after a successful evaluation. Gross salary € 4847,- maximum per month, depending on experience.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops insights and technologies that support industries, governments, and research institutes to create innovative solutions for a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous world. Together with our clients we develop healthy and tasty food, truly-sustainable food chains, and chemicals and materials that use biomass instead of fossil resources. Our in-depth knowledge of the entire chain, from raw materials through processing to end product, drives our approach.

We make smart connections between various disciplines to explore complex issues from different perspectives. Through a combination of intelligent analyses and pragmatic invention, we find solutions for these issues. Grounded in science and business, our researchers bring a no-nonsense attitude to their work. We investigate and develop at all stages: upscaling from lab to pilot and from initial idea to production processes that deliver real products for our customers. We have direct access to the latest scientific findings and have a firm grasp of what modern technology offers. Every day, we work with national and global companies, governments and other research institutes to create innovative solutions; now and in the future.

Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is one of the Contract Research Organizations of Wageningen University & Research, with the aim to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 members of staff and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is a world leader in its domain. An integral way of working, and cooperation between the exact sciences and the technological and social disciplines are key to its approach.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on "Healthy food in a biobased society". We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

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.

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.