PhD in pectin formation and development in tomatoes

PhD position in Modelling food supply chains for Shelf life Control, Optimized Pricing, and Excess Redistribution

You will do your PhD research at the Laboratory of Food Chemistry, in context of a collaborative project of our group with Wageningen Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture, and Kraft Heinz. The overall research project studies pectin formation and development in tomatoes with the aim to gain a deeper understanding of pectin in tomatoes and how this might positively impact Kraft Heinz tomato product portfolio. The project involves growing various tomato cultivars, analyzing their pectin characteristics, and exploring practical applications in tomato-based products. Your duties and responsibilities include: gain a deeper understanding of pectin structures in tomatoes and related endogenous enzymes, resulting in a PhD-thesis; set-up a (semi-) high throughput chromatographic method to map pectin structures; Work together with the project-technician (same project) at the Laboratory of Food Chemistry; supervise students; excellent communication with other project partners (Wageningen Research BU Greenhouse Horticulture, and Kraft Heinz). You will work here The project is embedded within the chair of Food Chemistry which is led by Prof.dr.ir. Jean-Paul Vincken, and is part of the Biomass & Enzymes theme of dr.ir. Mirjam Kabel.

Function Requirements
You are a team player with good interpersonal skills, with great motivation to deepen your and our understanding of detailed pectin structures in different tomato varieties. You like to work in a research and teaching environment. Good oral communication skills, excellent (academic) writing skills, structured way of working, affinity for analytics, willingness to assist others, are all essential competences. You also possess: a succesfully completed MSc degree in food, bio- or analytical chemistry, or in a similar field; experience with chromatographic and/or mass spectrometric approaches; affinity with (endogenous) enzymes and corresponding screening methodology; affinity for collaboration with industry. For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Working conditions
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 € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- 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. 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" 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. Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

Contactinformation
For more information about the position, please contact Mirjam Kabel, associate professor, via +31317483209 or email (preferred): [email protected]. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via e-mail: [email protected]. 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 the 18^th of August 2025. Don’t wait with your application. We might initiate the first interviews before the closing date. Additional information form For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using this link. Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process. 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.

Organization
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 and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus! We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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