Research Assistant - Food Techno-Functionality

Your jobAre you interested in contributing to the development of functional ingredients or foods? Do you want to contribute to the food techno-functionality field? Then this research assistant position may be for you!Food techno-functionality methods are important for the assessment of food ingredients and their ability to form food structures, such as foams, emulsions and gels. The outcome of these methods is key in food development. This project will focus on the development and optimization of techno-functionality methods, aiming to create scientifically sound methods with high applicability.What will you do?As a research assistant, you will explore methodologies for techno-functionality analysis (such as foams, emulsions, gels). This requires experimental work on ingredients and solutions using a wide range of equipment, such as centrifuges, rheometers, texture analysers, scattering techniques, spectrophotometry. The position requires literature research and dissemination in the form of report writing. You will be involved in BSc and MSc student supervision as well and work with BSc, MSc, PhD students and other scientific staff. We expect you to be curious to explore the various existing methodologies, yet being decisive and independent in the process.You will work hereThe research is embedded within the chair Physics and Physical chemistry of Foods and you will be supervised by Dr. Jack Yang, Dr. Maryia Mishyna and Dr. Julia Keppler.Your qualitiesFor this project we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled research assistant. Specific requirements are:a BSc/HBO degree in Food Technology, Physical chemistry or related disciplines OR;an MSc degree in Food Technology/Science;wet-lab experience in a laboratory environment;independent and problem-solving attitude;experience in method development is a plus;willingness to teach BSc and MSc students;a keen interest in collaborating with other scientists;proficiency in English (both oral and written).This position requires a good English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR B2 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.We offer youWageningen 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 bestpossible work-life balance;there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilitiesavailable 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. For BSc graduates, the salary will range between €3.057 to €3.985 gross per month. For MSc graduates, the salary will range between €3.382 to €4.484 gross per month in accordance to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 12 months which may be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 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 abroadWageningen 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.Do you want more information?For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Jack Yang, assistant professor, by e-mail: jack.yang@wur.nl.For more information about the procedure, please contact Evelien Janssen, corporate recruiter, by email: evelien.janssen@wur.nl.Ready to apply?Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submittedthrough our website will be considered.You can apply up and until 14 November 2025. The first interviews are scheduled between 8 - 19 December 2025.ProcedureAs part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.Welcome, safe, and valuedWageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believethat 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 areThe 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, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.