Human milk contains specific health-promoting oligosaccharides. Friesland Campina and Wageningen University & Research will explore the use of E. coli as host organism to produce these human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) from side streams from dairy processing. In this project a metabolic model will be developed that links primary and product metabolism with the aim to optimize yield of product on substrate. To finetune and validate the model, specific metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis will be performed in relation to the fermentation process dynamics. The results of the research will enable Friesland Campina to valorise milk components using new fermentation technologies and will strengthen the position of Wageningen University & Research as a leading partner in fermentation research.
We are looking for a colleague that will contribute to this research project, cooperating in a project team composed of scientists and students from both project partners.

You have completed a PhD in Microbial Biotechnology or similar research field. You have experience in fermentation technology, metabolic engineering, metabolic modelling and genomic techniques (transcriptomics, metabolomics).

You also:

• have intrinsic motivation for continuous improvement of microbial processes;
• have experience with management of projects;
• have good writing skills, good oral communication skills;
• are proficient in the English language;
• have enthusiasm and didactic qualities to teach, work and inspire BSc, MSc and PhD students

We offer a temporary position with an average working time of 38 hours per week, for a period until approx. end of 2020.
Salary from € 2.640,- to € 4.166,- (scale 10) based on full time employment and dependent on expertise and experience. We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension by the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

We are Bioprocess Engineering of Wageningen University, a group of active, successful and internationally oriented researchers (1 full professor, 3 personal/endowed professors, 9 assistant/associate professors, 25 PhD students and 10 technicians/post-docs). Bioprocess Engineering teaches and develops innovative bio-based processes. We work on a sustainable and healthy future by engineering efficient bioprocesses for high quality products. We study and develop photoautotrophic and heterotrophic production systems for biobased products, as well as high-quality processes for the production of biopharmaceuticals.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 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.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at: https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.