Researcher/project leader in the field of fycotoxins

Do you consider the availability of safe and wholesome food for the entire world population one of the great challenges of our era? Do you want to contribute to safe and balanced diets by securing well designed and well executed analyses of food? Are you eager to take on the challenge of improving analytical techniques in this field using state-of-the-art measurement systems such as LC-(HR)MS? This might be the next step for you! The Natural Toxins team of Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) is looking for an ambitious researcher in the field of marine and cyanobacterial toxins.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• act as the researcher for a number of projects, mainly on governmental tasks, but also in food safety related public-private collaboration (PPS)- and EU-projects;
• publish your research results in scientific journals and present them at international conferences;
• participate in the National Reference Laboratory on phycotoxins in shellfish;
• build and maintain an (inter)national scientific network;
• proactively look for new opportunities in e.g. PPS- and EU-calls and write proposals in the field of (phyco)toxins.

Your team
The team in which the position is vacant, conducts research on plant toxins, mycotoxins and phycotoxins in food, feed and water. The team aims to strengthen the scientific relevance of WFSR in all three areas mentioned. The emphasis of the phycotoxin research within WFSR is on regulated marine toxins in edible species such as shellfish. However, we also pro-actively look at emerging toxins and non-traditional vectors. We also collaborate with water managers and drinking water companies on the field of cyanobacterial toxins. Within the team of 24 professionals you collaborate with your teammates, but also with other research teams within WFSR, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and outside our organization.

• you have a MSc/PhD in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, food chemistry or comparable specialization. Knowledge of instrumental analysis of (phyco)toxins is preferred;
• you have basic skills on how to properly setup, conduct, analyze and report research projects;
• you have the enthusiasm to develop your knowledge of phycotoxin analysis and to initiate new research projects;
• you are creative thinker and initiator with the energy to move projects forward in a positive and constructive way;
• proficiency in written and spoken English and preferably also in Dutch. In non-native Dutch speakers, the willingness to learn Dutch is appreciated.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3234,- and €6008,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11).
Additionally, a contract for 32 hours a week can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a two year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about the position, please contact Linda Stolker, Teamlead of the Natural Toxins team, via phone +31 610 96 74 51 or by email: linda.stolker@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, by e-mail: rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply up and until the 19th of May, 2025. Don’t wait with your application. As soon as we receive suitable candidates, we will initiate the first interviews.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.