Are you interested in advanced rheological characterization, microstructure analysis, and modelling of complex food systems? In this postdoctoral project, you will combine fundamental science with practical impact to help develop gluten-free products that match the quality of their wheat-based counterparts. Read on to learn more.
Wheat flour and wheat-based products, ranging from pasta to bakery products, are fundamental components of human nutrition. At the same time, the demand for high-quality gluten-free products has increased rapidly, creating an urgent need for ingredients that can effectively replace the unique functionality of gluten. The mechanical behavior of dough is a key determinant of processing performance and final product quality, with gluten playing a central role in the development of the dough's microstructure and its nonlinear mechanical response. However, the design of gluten-free formulations is hindered by a limited understanding of the relationship between gluten microstructure and dough mechanics.
This project aims to establish this fundamental knowledge by combining nonlinear rheology, shear-induced normal force rheology measurements, and in situ visualization of microstructural evolution during deformation. Natural dough and simplified model formulations will be investigated to quantify structure–property relationships, while the experimental observations will be interpreted using theoretical and constitutive models.
The resulting insights will provide a scientific basis for identifying suitable gluten-replacing ingredients and developing formulation and processing strategies that reproduce the mechanical behavior and end-product quality of conventional wheat-based products.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
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nonlinear rheology and normal force rheology on dough and model system pastes;
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quantification and visualization of fine structure under deformation;
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modelling the normal force and rheological responses via available models;
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translating these results to new formulation and product design criteria.
You will work here
Laboratory of Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods at Wageningen University aims to deliver fundamental knowledge in the physics of foods, and application concepts for academic partners, industry and society. We study how the physical structure of foods determines their taste, texture, stability and overall quality. As the global demand for tasty, healthy and sustainably produced foods continues to grow, we need new ways to design ingredients and food products that use resources efficiently while still meeting consumer expectations.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates holding a PhD degree in physical chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science. Furthermore you:
have a strong background and experience in non-linear rheology and modelling the rheological responses of pastes, with a desire for multi-disciplinary research;
enjoy working within the interface between curiosity-driven and application-inspired research.
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). Additionally, a contract for 0.89 FTE (34 hours) can be discussed. We offer you a temporary contract for the duration of one year.
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.
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. Mehdi Habibi, associate professor of food physics 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 31 of August 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for the beginning of September. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 3 of August 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;
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One recommendation 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.
