Do you want to use your curiosity, talent, knowledge and experience in the field of human intervention studies and experimental immunology and realizing new concepts for specialized nutrition for elderly people?

We are looking for a Post Doc for the research project 'Cereal fibre to improve immune function in elderly'. This project is a co-operation between the chair group Nutritional Biology of the Department Human Nutrition and Health and the expertise group of Food & Health Research of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research. The project is financed by the NWO domain TTW Nutricia partnership program 'New concepts for specialized nutrition that influence Immune Fitness'.
Elderly people often experience a reduced immune functioning making them more vulnerable for respiratory infections. In elderly persons this is observed best by an increased risk for developing severe infections after having experienced a primary health issue such as a physical trauma, infection or hospitalization in general. In this research project, we investigate specific dietary fibres for their potency to increase alertness and effectiveness of the immune system towards secondary opportunistic infections. For this we employ newly developed in vitro model systems, an animal disease model and a human trial where we induce an immune dip through exercise and sleep deprivation.
We are looking for a PhD graduate with a background in human intervention trials and experiences in laboratory (cell) assays. Specific knowledge of the immune system and/or (nutritional) intestinal physiology is highly validated.
The candidate will perform controlled human challenge trials based on healthy subjects as well as ex vivo assays and analysis. The candidate will set up and perform the human trial and will, in cooperation with a PhD student, set up and perform the ex vivo studies. Next to that the candidate will be involved in the supervision of MSc students.

That the Post Doc is highly motivated and is experienced in performing and coordinating human trials and has expertise in molecular biology but is also:

Experienced in:

• Cell culture, in vitro and ex vivo molecular biology techniques;
• biotechnical techniques;
• dutch Speaking and masters Dutch writing skills at B2-C1 level (for performing the clinical trials and communicating with participants and METC).

Highly validated:

• Post-doctoral research experience;
• immunological knowledge and expertise;
• willing to support in animal trials.

For this position we request a hands-on attitude, ability to work independently and good organization and communication skills. Good social skills are essential, and you should be a team-worker that thrives in a team of professionals.

A challenging position for 3 years with, depending on your experience, a competitive salary from a minimum of € 3.123,- to a maximum of € 4.978,- for a full working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement Dutch Universities (scale 10/11). An appointment of 32 to 40 hours a week is negotiable.
In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.

We offer a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialized 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, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, it is one of the leading organizations 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.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.