Researchanalyst microbiology

Are you curious about the presence of bacteria and viruses in food? Do you get excited about performing classical and molecular biological analyses in the field of feed and food safety? Do you have experience in microbiology, work accurately, and have completed a vocational/BSc laboratory education in microbiology? Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) is looking for an independent research analyst with experience in microbiology. Please note: Dutch at B2 level is a must have for this position.

What will you do?
In your daily work, you will perform analyses in the field of feed and food safety under ISO 17025 accreditation. Various classical and molecular biological detection methods are used for this. Based on the analytical results, you discuss possible follow-up steps and apply them where necessary.

• you report on the results, mainly through our Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS);
• you identify deviations and problems, discuss these with colleagues, and repeat parts of the experiment if necessary;
• you contribute to the execution of tests as part of the development of methods and techniques and make proposals for optimizing determinations and methods. 

The research we conduct at WFSR focuses on safeguarding a safe food chain. In the department where you will work, we mainly focus on microbiological research on food products such as shellfish, meat, ready meals, and import samples. We also conduct research related to consumer complaints following reports of illness after food consumption.

• you have a microbiological laboratory education at vocational (MBO-4) or BSc level. Work experience in a microbiological or molecular laboratory is a strong advantage;
• you have demonstrable experience in following procedures and performing classical and molecular methods. This enables you to interpret results correctly and identify potential deviations;
• you have the relevant technical knowledge of classical and molecular biological methods;
• you are accurate and careful and are good at documenting procedures and results;
• preferably, you have some experience working in an ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. 

In our international working environment, communication increasingly takes place in English. For this position, a B1 level of English is required. If you do not yet have this level, we will of course support you, and you can make use of our language center Wageningen in’to Language. Dutch proficiency is required at B2 level at minimum due to reporting and analysis activities.

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 €2824,- and €3567,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 6). 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. 

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 Jolanda Heetesonne, Teamleader, via email: Jolanda.heetesonne@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 the 18th of May 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before the 20th of April 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.

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