a PhD position available in which you can develop smartphone-based biochemical analysis of food contaminants, that can be used at the point-of-need, by relevant stakeholders.

Do you have a strong affinity for both analytical chemistry and delivering a positive impact on global food safety? Do you take joy in creative processes and are you driven by curiosity? Are you a go-getter? Do you excel at working in teams?
Then we are looking for you! We have a PhD position available in which you can develop smartphone-based biochemical analysis of food contaminants, that can be used at the point-of-need, by relevant stakeholders.

• In this challenging project, you will work as a PhD student to develop rapid tests for the detection of plant toxins from food products, combining lateral flow immunoassays with smartphone-based detection – following up on our recent advances in developing the ‘FoodSmartphone’ concept towards consumer-based allergen testing (Key Exploitable Result FoodSmartphone – YouTube).
• To achieve this, you will study the relevant immunochemistry, develop and validate LFIA tests, design and produce 3D-printed microfluidics for sample handling, and perform (dynamic) image analysis to transform data into information that can be understood by an end-user. Moreover, you will test the developed tools in pilot studies, in which the FoodSmartphones will be handed out to end-users in the consumer and industrial sectors, to assess their performance and usability.
• The research will be performed with a 4-year European project. This means that you will not only work on your PhD, but will also participate in Europe-wide project activities, such as project meetings, and will cooperate with researchers in other universities and institutes within Europe.
• The research is embedded within the chair Organic Chemistry (Organic Chemistry – WUR), which is led by Prof. Han Zuilhof. You will be supervised by dr. Gert Salentijn (dr. GIJ (Gert) Salentijn – WUR). Food safety applications will be developed in collaboration with Wageningen Food Safety Research.
• The Organic Chemistry group constitutes a large, interdisciplinary research team involved in teaching and research on surface-based organic and analytical chemistry. The team consists of approx. 30 PhD students and postdocs, 10 technicians and teachers, 7 assistant and associate professors, one full-time chair and two part-time professors with external expertise. The team has an impressive track record in highly competitive national and ERC personal grants, H2020/Horizon Europe projects and public-private-partnership projects. The laboratory is extremely well-equipped with a unique set of analysis instruments for bio-organic materials and surfaces. Currently ca. 1700 students/year take part in one or more Organic Chemistry study elements provided by our faculty.

We ask

• You are highly driven and extremely curious. “Why?” is a question you often ask, both inside and outside of science;
• You have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in (Bio)analytical Chemistry or Biotechnology, or a relevant (bio)chemistry-related field;
• You have a strong background in experimental science and solid hands-on experience in (bio)analytical/immuno chemistry, as well as a strong interest (or preferentially experience) in 3D design and printing;
• Experience with programming is considered beneficial;
• You aim to excel, and your biggest talents are creativity, persistence and being inquisitive. You are a team player and have good written and oral communication skills in English (a minimum of CEFR C2 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.
• Only applications that clearly show these facets will be considered.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our  Collective Labour Agreement include:

• study leave and partially paid parental leave;
• 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 / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 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 € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- in the fourth year in 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 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique 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 at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

More information

Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Gert Salentijn, Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry, gert.salentijn@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, Recruiter, rutger.voorrips@wur.nl / 0317-480571.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter, using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including April 22th, 2022.

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. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

 

We are

The mission of Wageningen University and 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, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named the best university of the Netherlands by students for the 17^th time in a row.

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