We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc who is interested in detection and prediction of internal disorders and the maturity state of fruits based on computed tomography (CT).
Are you a researcher keen to contribute to the new sensing technology that can revolutionise the quality and safety of the food we all consume? Then we might have an interesting post doc position for you at Horticulture and Product Physiology of Wageningen University & Research!
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc who is interested in detection and prediction of internal disorders and the maturity state of fruits based on computed tomography (CT). In a NWO (Dutch research council for scientific research) project, together with CWI (Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science) and the fruit sorting industry, we are developing automated tools that link morphological information to functional properties. We aim to develop tools (models) that, based on high throughput, real time, simultaneous CT imaging, can detect features relevant to detect and predict the occurrence of internal disorders and the maturity in fruits in order to provide fully individualized quality assurance.
We are looking for a postdoc with a background in postharvest physiology and entomology.
The work consists of developing two demonstrators for real-time inspection and prediction of the internal state of fruits.
- First demonstrator: you will setup a range of experiments with the aim of inducing and detecting internal disorders with a focus on insect infestation through individual 3D reconstruction.
- Second demonstrator will induce clearly defined ripeness classes for fruits. The aim here is to detect the maturity state through individual 3D reconstruction, including modelling of the remaining shelf-life. In that way, the demonstrators can be the start of decision support systems for the fruit sorting industry.
We ask
- You have a PhD degree in plant sciences or entomology
- You are a result-driven team player with creative ideas setting up experiments, excellent communication skills as well as good proficiency in English (both oral and written)
- You have published high-quality papers in peer-reviewed journals
- You have proven knowledge of fruit physiology and fruit-insect relationships Expertise in data analysis, programming skills and modelling is strongly preferred
- You are motivated to teach and supervise BSc and MSc students
We offer
A postdoctoral position with, depending on your experience, a competitive salary from a minimum of € 2846,- to a maximum of € 4490,- per month for a full working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement Dutch Universities. This position is for 0.7-1.0 fte for 2 years (assuming 1.0 fte).
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- 8% holiday allowance;
- a structural end of year bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
- flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be agreed upon in consultation, so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
- an 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 on the Wageningen Campus, where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place. A place where education, research and business are represented;
- the use of the sports facilities on campus.
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 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 16th 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
For more information about this function you can contact dr Rob Schouten, e-mail: Rob.schouten@wur.nl
For more information about the procedure, please contact us by 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.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 10th May 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the last weeks of May 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
Wageningen University & Research
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 Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.
These are the points our employees list as good reasons to come work at WUR: read the 5 reasons to come work at WUR
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.