We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc who will contribute to an NWO-Circular Economy project to develop insects for feed. Housefly (Musca domestica) larvae have the potential to be a sustainable future protein source for diets of production animals (poultry, pigs, fish). These larvae have the capacity to develop on organic waste streams and thereby convert low value waste in a high value product. The consortium, consisting of five partners (University of Groningen, Free University of Amsterdam, Amusca company, RIKILT) aims to obtain a better understanding of housefly biology to optimally exploit them for feed. We will investigate nutrient requirements and tolerances of the larvae, managing of protein and fat content, and population sex ratios to optimize mass culturing conditions on poultry manure.
The position in Wageningen is meant to understand nutritional and safety properties of manure as culturing substrate for housefly larvae as feed. The specific objectives are: (1) identify risks of feeding manure to housefly larvae, (2) determine the factors underlying the nutritional value of manure for housefly larvae rearing, and (3) develop treatments to optimize suitability of manure for larval growth.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented postdoctoral candidate with a PhD degree in entomology or nutrition, and with outstanding insect culturing and laboratory skills. You are expected to have an excellent academic record and be fluent in the English language. You will collaborate with external parties, and be interested in further exploration of commercial applications.

We offer a temporary position for a maximum period of 3 years. Gross salary per month is based on scale 10 CAO NU, for a fulltime appointment, with a minimum € 2.588,= and a maximum of € 4.084,=, depending on experience. We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund. The preferred starting date is 1 March 2018.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life, that is our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society, such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we do not do this alone. Every day, 5000 dedicated people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.
The vacancy is at the Animal Nutrition Group (Prof Dr Wouter H. Hendriks), Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research. The research of Prof Hendriks concerns fundamental and applied aspects of animal nutrition, in particular dietary requirements of animals and the evaluation of nutritional quality of feeds. We offer a stimulating research environment for a postdoc interested in developing houseflies for animal feed. The group's research laboratories are well equipped for chemical characterization and bioavailability studies.