Researcher in in vitro and food toxicology

Your job

Are you interested in in vitro and food toxicology? Then our current vacancy for a scientist within the research track of the recognition & reward system of Wageningen University may be the next step in your professional career. We are looking for a new colleague to maintain the high standards of our research in mechanism-based toxicology using non-animal test methods and supervising the work of our PhD students and Post Docs.

What are you going to do?
You will work as a researcher (in the research track of the Recognition & Rewarding system of WU) in the field of in vitro and food toxicology to strengthen the Toxicology chair group in the department of Agrotechnology & Food Sciences (AFSG) at WU. The position includes both research and teaching responsibilities. You will be responsible for co-developing and thereby maintaining our group's strong research position in the field of in vitro  toxicology together with our tenured senior staff.

The Toxicology chair group’s research focusses on the development of next generation risk assessment (NGRA) approaches to characterise hazards, exposures and risks of chemicals in food and the environment. Your research contributes to our focus by developing novel molecular biomarkers of toxicity and advanced in vitro cell models. It is your ambition to translate the molecular perturbations in vitro to clinically relevant health outcomes in humans, also with the help of in silico approaches, and thus help shape the chemical safety assessments of the future.

In addition to research, you will teach a number of courses in food toxicology and related fields. In collaboration with technical assistants, you will (co-)supervise BSc, MSc and PhD students. You also provide content for newly initiated research projects and grant proposals.
Training and coaching will be provided to support your further academic development.

Your qualities

You are an enthusiastic scientist and a team player, devoted to research and education in the field of molecular and food toxicology. You have a strong experimental background and experience in designing, conducting and analysing high quality toxicological studies. You should have:

• a PhD in in vitro toxicology or a related field and at least 3-5 years of post-PhD work experience within the field of toxicology;
• being registered as European Registered Toxicologist is considered an advantage;
• excellent experimental skills, especially in cell culture, and an overview of state of the art of advanced in vitro cell models (e.g., stem cells, organ-on-chip, co-cultures) for toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics studies;
• affinity with analytical chemistry and computational modelling (e.g., physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modelling);
• experience in co-supervising PhD students;
• excellent English writing skills and the ability to publish high quality scientific papers;
• experience in teaching (under)graduate courses and holding a University Teaching Qualification (or the willingness to obtain such a qualification within two year).

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer you

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

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €4537,- and €6209,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11).

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. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad
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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Nynke Kramer, associate professor, by email: Nynke.kramer@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, by 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 and until March 24th 2025. The first interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.

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.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.