Researcher/project leader in the field of fycotoxins

Do you consider the availability of safe and wholesome food for the entire world population one of the great challenges of our era? Do you want to contribute to safe and balanced diets by securing well designed and well executed analyses of food? Are you eager to take on the challenge of improving analytical techniques in this field for the team, by using state-of-the-art measurement systems such as LC-(HR)MS? This might be the next step for you! We, the Natural Toxins teamof Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR – part of Wageningen University and Research) is looking for an ambitious researcher in the field of marine and cyanobacterial toxins. 

What will you do?

• act as the researcher/project leader for a number of projects, mainly on governmental tasks, but also in food safety related public-private collaboration (PPS)- and EU-projects;
• publish your research results in scientific journals and present them at international conferences;
• participate in the National Reference Laboratory on phycotoxins in shellfish and building and maintaining an (inter)national scientific network;
• proactively look for new opportunities in e.g. PPS- and EU-calls and write research proposals in the field of (phyco)toxins;
• improving the way of working in our labs by the use of advanced LC-MS techniques.

Your team

The team in which the position is vacant, conducts research on plant toxins, mycotoxins and phycotoxins in food, feed and water. The team aims to strengthen the scientific relevance of WFSR in all three areas mentioned. The emphasis of the phycotoxin research within WFSR is on regulated marine toxins in edible species such as shellfish. Therefor we monitor the presence of various toxins in wide variety of matrices. However, we also pro-actively look at emerging toxins and non-traditional vectors. We also collaborate with water managers and drinking water companies on the field of cyanobacterial toxins. 

The fycotoxin group is part of a larger team of 24 professionals. You collaborate with colleagues in your team, but also with other research teams within WFSR, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and outside our organization.

You will work here 

• you have an MSc/PhD in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, food chemistry or comparable specialization. Knowledge of instrumental analysis of (phyco)toxins is preferred;
• you have basic skills on how to properly setup and conduct projects and how to analyze and report results;
• you have the enthusiasm to develop your knowledge of phycotoxin analysis and to initiate new research projects;
• you are a creative thinker and initiator with the energy to move projects forward in a positive and constructive way;
• proficiency in written and spoken English and preferably also in Dutch. For non-native Dutch speakers, the willingness to learn Dutch is appreciated.

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:

• 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 €3399,- and €6228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 - 11). Additionally, For this role a contract for a minimum of 24 hours a week can be discussed. 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.

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. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

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 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 Linda Stolker, Team leader, via phone +31 610 96 74 51 or by email: linda.stolker@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 20th of April, 2026.Internal candidates are preferred to apply before the 30st of March 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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