Microscopy Researcher

For those who see microscopy as more than just looking — it’s about knowing, discovering, and contributing to food safety.

Are you an analytically skilled biologist with a passion for microscopic research and visual detection techniques? Are you fluent in Dutch? Would you like to apply your expertise to help ensure the safety of our food and feed chains? Then we are looking for you for the position of Microscopy Researcher.

What will you be doing?
As a Microscopy Researcher at Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), you will lead a variety of research projects focused on microscopy and visual detection. Together with a team of four analysts, you will work on challenges such as identifying plant components, detecting insect residues, and spotting packaging materials in animal feed. It is also important that, together with the analysts, you maintain and advance the quality and standards of microscopy as a discipline.

Your responsibilities will include:

• coordinating and carrying out research projects within the field of microscopy;
• writing research reports and scientific publications;
• designing, conducting, and reporting on validation studies;
• monitoring and applying food and feed safety legislation and regulations;
• developing new visual analysis techniques.

Depending on your experience, identifying opportunities for collaboration both within and outside WFSR may also be part of your role. This way, you can contribute to advancing the field of visual detection techniques.

You have:

• an academic degree in biology or plant biology;
• demonstrable experience with visual and microscopic research techniques;
• an interest in food and feed safety and the relevant legislation;
• experience in scientific writing.

You are:

• accurate, quality-driven, and deadline-oriented;
• a strong communicator in both Dutch and English;
• a natural team player with the ambition to further develop the field of visual techniques.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B2.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

You will work here:

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 €5273,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10).

We offer you a contract for 32 hours a week. Additionally, a contract for 24 hours a week can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

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.

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 Desiree Beaujean, teamleader, by e-mail: desiree.beaujean@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 with a dutch motivational letter, submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until the 7th of July 2025. Don’t wait with your application. As soon as we have received suitable applications, we will initiate the first interviews.

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.