We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate to study the coupling of ligand binding assays and ambient ionization mass spectrometry. Fundamental incompatibilities have to be solved by designing smart interfaces between the binding assay platform and the mass spectrometer(s). Model systems will be adopted from FoodSmartphone partners. The research project includes active participation in three international network-wide training events, in the complementary skills training programme, in two short term secondments at foreign project partners and in the outreach programme (including social media activities). The contract aims for the completion of a PhD thesis.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a recent academic MSc degree (or equivalent) in analytical chemistry, or in a similar education having a strong focus on laboratory skills and advanced instrumental analysis. The candidate should be a result-driven team player, have good communication skills and good proficiency in English (both oral and written).

Specific requirements

• EU Marie Curie mobility criteria apply: candidates should not have resided, worked or studied in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
• EU Marie Curie 'early stage researcher' criteria apply: candidates should be in the first four years of their research career and not have a doctoral degree.
  

We offer an interesting research job in a full-time position (36 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another two years. We offer a salary and an employment contract based on a position as early stage researcher (ESR) within the context of the EU Marie Curie program FoodSmartphone, in combination with excellent secondary employment conditions.
Depending on the progress and outlook for completion, a new contract covering (part of) year 4 may be granted to complete the PhD thesis.

The position is based in a state-of-the-art research environment and together with the FoodSmartphone consortium, holds ample opportunities for a future career either in research, applied science, education or in a spin-off from the project.

The gross salary is based on both the collective labour agreement of WR and the EU Marie Curie program requirements and comprises an average gross salary of €2.458,=
(salary scale for PhD fellows) per month based on the full time position, plus a monthly EU mobility allowance plus a monthly family allowance (the latter only when applicable).

Wageningen University & Research

You will become part of a cutting edge EU-funded PhD research program on Smartphone analyzers for on-site testing of food quality and safety [FoodSmartphone]. The research team is composed of 11 PhD students in 6 different countries, two of them are hosted by RIKILT in The Netherlands.
FoodSmartphone proposes the development of smartphone-based (bio)analytical sensing and diagnostic tools, for simplified on-site pre-screening of quality and safety parameters and wireless data transfer to servers of relevant stakeholders. FoodSmartphone offers the PhD students an exciting individual research project plus an extensive programme of both mandatory and optional network-wide training events and intersectoral secondments. The scientific training in novel smartphone-based sensing technologies plus the complementary skills training provided, is expected to have a major impact on future EU monitoring practices and, moreover, pave the road for 'Citizen Science' approaches in food control.

RIKILT
RIKILT Wageningen University & Research performs independent research related to the safety and authenticity of food. We specialise in analytical research, the composition of food and feed products and related health effects. We also focus on food fraud issues and conduct forensic research. Our knowledge of food production chains and processes enables us to identify hazards and risks (new and existing) effectively. We advise government agencies as well as companies and provide training in areas of our expertise.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Making a substantial contribution to improving the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food and 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 to achieve this.

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