Are you interested in exploring the biochemical diversity of the plant kingdom to improve the quality of life and our environment?

We are looking for an experienced scientist with a proven research expertise on analytical chemistry of secondary metabolites. You will implement new methodologies and annotation tools for the targeted and untargeted profiling of compounds in complex (plant) samples (metabolomics), mainly based on high resolution LC-MS/MS approaches. Combined with your background in structural chemistry you will contribute to the further annotation of plant secondary metabolites. This will extend knowledge on plant biochemical diversity and its biosynthesis and how these compounds may confer added value to plants, and to food and non-food products derived from them.

You will acquire, initiate and maintain collaborative projects, through subsidy channels (national and EU) as well as via bi-lateral funding both with industry and/or other research organizations. You will complement a highly motivated, enthusiastic and skilled plant analytical and metabolomics team of six scientists and technicians , closely collaborating with the metabolic engineering team in the Applied Metabolic Systems group. You will strengthen research and acquisition and collaborate with research units and university departments in and beyond Wageningen as well as with (international) industrial partners in a wide range of sectors such as the food (processing), fine chemical, plant breeding, ecology and crop protection sectors.

You will work here
Explore the biochemical diversity of plants to meet the needs of society.

The Applied Metabolic Systems (AMS) group is part of Bioscience, one of the business units of the Wageningen Research foundation and part of the Plant Sciences Group. Wageningen Research together with Wageningen University comprise Wageningen University & Research (WUR). At Bioscience, we study the regulation of metabolic and developmental processes of plants at the molecular level to meet the needs of our growing and changing society. We develop tools that allow us to tap into barely revealed genetic sources. Wageningen UR is an internationally renowned research institute in the fields of life sciences and sustainable production.

You will work within the AMS group which is focused on gaining a better understanding of metabolic processes which lead to the huge biochemical diversity found in the plant kingdom and also to the use of this knowledge for food and non-food applications. For this we are developing and implementing analytical methodologies (metabolomics and proteomics), receptor interaction studies (for functional characterization) and plant- and microbial metabolic engineering (synthetic biology). AMS houses state-of-the-art facilities, comprising LC-MS and GC-MS platforms (6 instruments) and a cell-based micro-array receptor platform. The AMS group comprises a total of about 20 staff members and guest-workers. It operates market-driven, both in (inter)national consortia as well as in bilateral partnerships with industry. Our staff has an excellent scientific track record and patent portfolio.

We are looking for a replacement for a retiring staff member, while providing ample time for transfer of expertise and network.

You have excellent communication and networking skills for both academia and industry. You also have an open and professional working attitude and you are a team player with experience in working in a multidisciplinary team. You are ambitious to grow into a team leader role in the future.

You also possess:

• a PhD degree and at least three years of relevant post-PhD research experience as project leader, or experience as Senior Researcher;
• expertise in (at least several of) the areas of:
  
  • analytical chemistry of (complex) secondary metabolites;
  • advanced mass spectrometry techniques;
  • structural chemistry;
  • generating, handling and processing of large metabolomics data sets;
  • relationships between structure and (physio/chemical/functional) properties of molecules;
  • biochemical diversity in the context of (plant) biosynthetic pathways.
• project acquisition and ambition to develop your own research field;
• a keen interest in translating scientific knowledge into applied research;
• a proven acquisition track record;
• excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
• 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 December 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 €4.332,- and €6.737,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 11-12). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended to an open-ended contract upon in mutual enthusiasm.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland and with your work you have a clear and positive impact on society. At WUR we work on the most pressing challenges of our time, like climate change and feeding the world in a sustainable way.

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.
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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Dirk Bosch, Group leader Applied Metabolic Systems (telephone +31 317 480 933, e-mail: dirk.bosch@wur.nl).

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter, e-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Don’t e-mail directly to the person mentioned above to apply, but use the website to apply.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 27 of May, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the first half of June, 2024.

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

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.