The transition to a more plant-based protein diet entails the exploitation of new protein sources for food and feed. One potentially large resource of proteins, which is currently poorly exploited, are agricultural waste streams.

Fractionation of proteins and other ingredients from plant biomass occurs via processes that often require harsh conditions. Nowadays also milder conditions are investigated (such as dry separation), but milder processes generally result less pure fractions, and consequently only part of the protein ends up in the fraction used for food applications; the rest is used for lower-value applications such as feed or even fuel. Novel protein sources, such as algae or leaves could be an important protein source but the efficiency with which protein can be extracted is lower than that of conventional protein crops. Only a fraction of around 10 to 20% of the proteins can be extracted at relatively high purity. The reason for this lower efficiency is partly because the extraction methods have not been optimized for these new plant resources, but also because these crops, or parts of the crop, have not been optimized for protein extraction. Our hypothesis is that the characteristics of the proteins and their location in the cell play an important role in extraction efficiency.

In this project we aim to develop genetic and processing tools that enable efficient extraction of high-quality proteins from agricultural side streams, namely from sugar beet leaves. For that we will investigate which factors are key in extraction of proteins from green tissues and we will further use these insights to better understand current fractionation processes and the potential of altering plants via dedicated plant breeding.

The PhD student will be investigating the process of storage of proteins in green leaves and will identify main bottlenecks for extraction of proteins from sugar beet leaves. The first step will be to understanding the mechanisms and factors affecting extractability of proteins from leaves. The genetic components of these factors/traits will be mapped, and lastly new breeding tools to improve protein extractability from these agriculture side streams will be developed.

• An MSc in Plant Sciences or Biology, with preference for candidates with good background in Genetics and Breeding.
• An enthusiastic, problem solving person who likes to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with molecular techniques and knowledge in genetics.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English.
• A team player that can also work independently.
• You have a very good level of oral and written English. You are required to show us a certification of English skills. For more information about the required level please take a look at: https://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/PhD-Programme/English-language-requirements.htm.
• An interest in (co-)supervising under graduate students.

You will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team. The gross salary for the first year is € 2.395,- per month rising to € 3.061,- in the fourth year, according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 12 months which will be extended for 3 year after successful evaluation.

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 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, 6.500 employees, and 12.000 students, it 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. We have been named Best Employer in Education category 2019-2020.
Click here for more information about working at Wageningen University & Research. More information about Wageningen Campus you can find here.

We do the recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. Please do not contact us for sales purposes.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an employer that offers equal opportunities. We are happy to receive applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender, functional impairment, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive working environment makes us a more relevant, competitive and resilient organization. Click here for more information about working at WUR with a functional impairment.