Would you like to contribute to the further development of innovative analytical methods for food safety? Are you fluent in Dutch? At Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), we are looking for an Analytical Chemist to join our Contaminants team. Your initial focus will be on PFAS research, while also contributing to broader contaminant-related projects and the development of new HRMS analytical techniques.
Within the Contaminants team, you will be responsible for independently carrying out research and method development, addressing complex analytical chemistry challenges, and improving existing analytical methods.
Your duties and responsibilities as a Chemical Analyst are:
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independently carrying out research and method development projects;
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developing, optimizing, and validating LC-MS/MS methods;
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troubleshooting and technically optimizing analytical methods;
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coordinating subprojects and contributing to innovative research activities;
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actively contributing to the further development of PFAS and (GC-)HRMS applications.
Your team
You will join the Contaminants Team at WFSR in Wageningen. The team consists of analytical chemists, researchers, and project leaders who collaborate on innovative analyses and research into chemical contaminants. You will work closely with specialists in PFAS, LC-MS/MS, and (GC-)HRMS and play an important role in further expanding this area of expertise.
You will work here
At WFSR, we develop innovative solutions for challenges related to food safety, the environment, and public health. The Contaminants team develops and performs high-quality chemical analyses for national and international clients, including the Dutch government, European research programmes, and a wide range of knowledge partners.
Over the coming years, our PFAS research programme will continue to grow significantly. Alongside ongoing research projects, we are developing new analytical methods, expanding HRMS applications, and exploring innovative techniques for the detection of chemical contaminants. As an Analytical Chemist, you will have plenty of opportunities to contribute to these developments while further advancing your own expertise.
You are analytical, independent, and proactive. You enjoy solving complex scientific and technical challenges and thrive in multidisciplinary research teams.
You also possess:
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a degree in Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline. The exact education level is less important than having an HBO+/university level of thinking and working;
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experience with LC-MS/MS in an analytical or research environment;
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experience with method development and validation in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory (or a comparable quality environment);
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strong communication skills and excellent problem-solving abilities;
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experience working within a quality management system (ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent);
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affinity with innovative analytical techniques; experience with (GC-)HRMS is considered an advantage.
In In our international working environment, English is increasingly used for communication. For this position, a B2 level of English is required. If you have not yet reached this level, we will of course support you through Wageningen in’to Language.
Because this role involves close collaboration within Dutch-speaking teams and regular communication with Dutch stakeholders, a C1 level of Dutch is essential.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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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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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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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. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between € 3,640.- and € 5,132.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 9). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. 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.
However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.
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. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Communitypage 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 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 Bas de Koster, Teamleader Contaminants, via phonenumber: +31611745587 or via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, 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 September 21st, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled shortly after the closing date. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before August 31st, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
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.
