PhD position: Waste valorisation with larvae of the Black Soldier fly

Larvae of the black soldier fly are good at converting a large variety of substrates towards proteinaceous, and high energy (fat), body mass. Within the industry there is interest in two main business models; one is the efficient production (concentration) of proteins and fats, to be used as feed ingredients. The second is focused on waste reduction, where protein, fat and frass (mainly insect excrements to be used as fertilizer) are produced as by-products.

To decrease residual mass of the waste and improve weight gain (optimize conversion efficiency) a screening method is needed in which selective additions of nutrients are tested in vivo. 

The selection of the nutrients and their concentrations is to be based on the chemical composition of the waste material and the requirements of the larvae. These requirements are still to be revised in further detail.

In concept, this method would be suitable for testing a variety of substrates. When the most limiting nutrient(s) is/are known, sources of these nutrients available in other waste products or locally available by-products can be identified. Combining these streams should lead to improved resource use efficiency, a decrease in feed costs, and improved circularity of our food system. 

As a PhD candidate with affinity for insects, physiology and animal nutrition, you will develop this screening method using aqua sludge (feces and feed leftovers of salmon) as an example. After proof of concept, you will develop it further so that it can be used for a wider range of waste materials. 

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• Designing, and validating a robust substrate screening methodology for black soldier fly larvae.
• Refining the aforementioned screening method by further developing knowledge on nutrient requirements of black soldier fly larvae.  
• Refining the aforementioned screening method by further developing knowledge on physio-chemical substrate requirements of black soldier fly larvae.   

You will work here

The research is embedded within the chair of Animal Nutrition, which is led by Prof. Wouter Hendriks. This research project is led by Prof. Wouter Hendriks and you will be co-supervised by Dr. Guido Bosch and Dr. Dennis Oonincx.

You have a keen interest in insect nutrition and the scientific curiosity to truly understand the results of your studies. Moreover, you should be an effective communicator with organisation skills, as you will interact with various stakeholders.

You also possess: 

• a successfully completed MSc degree in animal science, biology, entomology or a relevant related field;
• the ability to perform independent studies in animal research facilities and the laboratory;
• eager to learn and gain new skills and experiences, as well as be excited to work with various stakeholders in the project including experts,  technicians, students and other participants;
• goal-oriented and strong collaborative skills with excellent communication skills in English (at C1 level), both oral and in writing. More information about English language proficiency can be found here.

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

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

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 this position, please contact Dr. Dennis Oonincx by e-mail, dennis.oonincx@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via email: noorien.abbas@wur.nl

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total ):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 15 July 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the 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.

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