Chemical Analyst Biopolymers

Do you enjoy working with modern analytical techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and NMR? Do you like working with advanced equipment and operating and maintaining it yourself? Are you interested in biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and lignin? And would you like your work to contribute to a sustainable future and a circular bio-economy? Then we are looking for you!

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Chemical Analyst – Biopolymers to strengthen our research projects in the field of bio-based raw materials.

What will you do?

In this role, you will contribute to innovative and practice-oriented research. Your tasks include:

• Investigating and modifying biopolymers to better understand how they function and how their properties can be improved to replace fossil-based compounds in products and materials.
• Using, maintaining and managing various analytical instruments, such as HPAEC, HPLC, SEC, LC-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, FT-IR and NMR, including associated data processing. You ensure that equipment operates properly and resolve minor technical issues.
• Performing experiments in collaboration with colleagues and under the supervision of a project leader.
• Processing and presenting research results in clear reports and presentations.

How will you work with us?

You will work in dynamic project teams consisting of a project leader and one or more researchers. You will be involved in multiple projects at the same time, which means no two days are the same. You will have the opportunity to share your ideas, develop yourself and learn new skills.

Innovation is central to our work. You will work in an environment where your knowledge and commitment are truly valued.

What do we do?

Within our research group Biorefinery and Sustainable Value Chains, we conduct applied scientific research. We focus on building a circular bio-economy and a future without fossil resources and with reduced CO₂ emissions.

We study bio-based raw materials and biopolymers, examining their structure and functionality. Based on this knowledge, we develop sustainable solutions such as environmentally friendly materials, water purification technologies and ingredients for personal care products.

With your work, you will contribute to products that help create a better world.

• You have a Bachelor’s degree (HBO level) in Chemical Analysis or Chemical Engineering.
• You have experience with the analytical techniques mentioned above, or the ambition to master them.
• You have an interest in biopolymers and sustainable applications.
• You have experience working in a laboratory or research environment.
• You work accurately, take responsibility and are able to work independently.
• You enjoy working in a team and actively contribute ideas.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B2.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• 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 €3231,- and €4929,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8-9). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours a week 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. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

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 “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

For more information about the position, please contact Jan Jetten, manager Biorefinery & Sustainable Value Chains, via +31 317-485146 or by e-mail: jan.jetten@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via email; rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

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 April 6, 2026. Don’t wait with your application. As soon as we have suitable candidates, we’ll initiate the first round of interviews.

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.

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