You are a Postdoc at the Laboratory of Food Chemistry, in context of a collaborative project of our group with Revividal, Starodub, TU/e, and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The overall research project aims to advance a biodegradable gastric device from renewable, food-grade biomolecular polymers, demonstrate its circularity, ensure product safety, and assess regulatory implications in preparation for future clinical studies. To conquer obesity, such a biodegradable, non-fossil based device is seen as better alternative compared to their non-degradable, fossil-based, gastric balloon, and single-use drugs.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
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gain a deeper understanding of the biomolecular polymer structures, batch-to-batch variations, and changes during modifications;
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set-up and validate methodology for quantification and identification of said biopolymers, including during in vitro transit tests;
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excellent communication with other project partners.
You will work here
The project is embedded within the chair of Food Chemistry , which is led by Prof.dr.ir. Jean-Paul Vincken, and is part of the Carbohydrates, Biomass & Enzymes theme of dr.ir. Mirjam Kabel.
You are a team player with good interpersonal skills, with great motivation to deepen your and our understanding of detailed biopolymer/ polysaccharide structures. You like to work in a research and teaching environment. Good oral communication skills, excellent (academic) writing skills, structured way of working, affinity for analytics, willingness to assist others, are all essential competences.
You also possess:
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a PhD degree in food, bio- or analytical chemistry, or in a similar field;
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experience with carbohydrate related chromatographic and/or mass spectrometric approaches;
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affinity with enzymes and corresponding enzyme activity screening methodology;
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affinity for collaboration with industry.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
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excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.546,- and € 5.538,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended, if possible within (company) organizational circumstances, on good performance, for the duration of the project.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organization. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.
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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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.
For more information about the position, please contact Dr. ir. Mirjam Kabel, associate professor, via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including Monday the 10th of August 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for mid September 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before the 12th of July 2026.
To apply, please send the following documents:
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Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
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Motivation letter.
Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
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.
