Are you a postdoc interested in developing electrical sensing and stimulation devices? The Animal Sciences department at Wageningen University develops new technical solutions for bottom trawling in the fishing industry, to reduce its ecological impact. Do you have a PhD in electrical engineering or biophysics and you want to contribute to a sustainable fishing industry, then we offer the opportunity to make the difference!

We are looking for a postdoc with an electro-technical background and an interest in biological applications. In a project of two years we will study the optimization of electrical pulse fishing techniques, with special emphasis on minimal impact to the seabed and associated benthic ecosystem. You will investigate different applications of electrical sensing and electrical disturbance to optimize bottom trawling for optimal efficiency and selectivity, with minimal ecological impact.

In a biomimetic approach we will develop electrical sensors that can detect the locations of flatfish in the sediment, similar to the electro-sensors in sharks. In addition, we will develop targeted startling techniques that will effectively chase flatfish out of the sediment, while minimally impacting the seabed and fauna.

This position will be placed in the chair group Experimental Zoology in the Animal sciences department.

• A PhD in electrical engineering or biophysics.
• Affinity for electrical measurement and/or stimulation devices.
• Affinity for experimentation.
• Good programming skills and familiarity with real-time applications.
• Excellent English languge proficiency.

A two-year postdoc position, with ample funding and support for developing experimental setups and prototyping new equipment. The gross salary is € 2.790 - 3.746 per month according to the Collective Labour Agreement (scale 10/11). This is based on a full working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 12 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance
• a structural end-of year bonus of 8.3%
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions
• flexible working hours that we determine together in good consultation
• excellent pension plan through ABP
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes, e.g.
• the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra for extra leave
• a flexible model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan
• a lively workplace on the Wageningen Campus
• make use of the sports facilities on campus for a small fee.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with our internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment. With us you get a versatile job in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere, with students and staff from over 100 countries around the world.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 15th consecutive time.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 6,000 employees, and 12,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.