Are you an independent researcher at BSc level with a passion for immunochemistry and bioassays? Would you like to contribute to the development and application of cell-based effect assays and immunochemical methods for the detection of contaminants, natural toxins, veterinary drug residues, and allergens? Do you enjoy working with the latest research techniques? We, Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), are looking for a Researcher Immunochemistry/Bioassays!
What will you do?
In this position, you will work on the development, optimisation, and execution of state-of-the-art immunochemical detection systems. You will apply various analytical techniques, including immunoassays using technologies such as Luminex, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), ELISAs, electrochemical methods, and lateral flow devices (LFDs). For the development of LFDs, we have our own Biodot spotter available. In support of these techniques, you will develop and optimise extraction methods that are rapid and broadly applicable. There is also overlap with cell-based bioassays for the detection of contaminants.
The methods developed within your team are validated so they can be applied in sample analysis. Research results are often used for scientific publications and to support the acquisition of new research projects. You will work closely with the other research teams within WFSR and have regular contact with project leaders and team leaders, where collaboration and knowledge sharing are central.
Your team
Research within the Bioassays and Biosensors expertise group focuses on the detection of veterinary drugs, growth-promoting substances (steroids and growth hormones), pesticides, (natural) toxins, and allergens in food and feed, using both classical methods and innovative new technologies. With biosensors, we mainly study the binding of target compounds to specific biomolecules such as antibodies, receptors, molecularly imprinted polymers, and DNA/RNA. Within Bioassays, reporter cells are used to measure specific effects of compounds. You are the medical or biochemical analyst who is eager to work with these biosensors and bioassays.
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a medical or biochemical degree at HBO level;
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experience in immunochemistry;
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experience with sample preparation techniques;
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experience with bioassays/cell-based effect assays is an advantage;
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experience working with Luminex (xMAP) technology, biosensors, lateral flow technology, and electrochemical sensors is an advantage.
In addition, you are flexible and accurate, with an independent and proactive attitude. You are eager to learn, result-oriented, communicatively strong, and a true team player.
In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B1.
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. 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 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 €2979,- and €3893,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 7). As for your contract, we initially offer a two-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.
For more information about the position, please contact Eric van der Made (BusinessUnitManager), via email: [email protected], or by: +316-52015456, Nathalie Smits (project leader) [email protected], or by: +31 317-480389 or Jeroen Peters (project leader), [email protected], or by: +316-14323116
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 July 13th, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before the 31st of May, 2026.
We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.
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.
