Researcher in Product Quality and Flavour
Wageningen University
Netherlands
Researcher Product Quality and Flavour
- Published on
- December 3, 2021
Location Bleiswijk
We are looking for
Would you like to contribute to the competitiveness of the Dutch Fruit and Vegetable chain, by archieving a better quality of greenhouse horticultural products? Is your passion development and application of innovative measuring methods for quality aspects such as flavor? Do you have a relevant network in the horticultural sector and do you like to connect with internal and external project partners? Then Wageningen Plant Research location Bleiswijk is looking for you!
For our team Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs we are looking for a colleague who enjoys project acquisition, both nationally and internationally. You actively shape the research field. You have a relevant network in the Fruit and Vegetable market. You can organize well and oversee multiple projects and you have experience in leading large projects with multiple partners. You report research results to our clients, in scientific journals and in publications aimed at a professional audience. You are able to initiate new research and formulate clear project proposals. You are able to communicate well in Dutch and English, with researchers and project staff as well as clients and project partners.
“Determine the flavour without tasting.”
For our flavor research, we develop methods based on sensors and models that predict quality aspects, such as liking and freshness perception by consumers. We can use these methods at various points in the supply chain to ensure the high level of quality of fruit and vegetable.
Your role:
Quality & Production - YouTube
Your role:
- Setting up and executing research projects together with and for companies in the fruit and vegetable product chain, to ensure and control the quality of horticultural products.
- Conduct applied scientific research, where you apply the latest knowledge and techniques, e.g. sensor technology and data science.
- Maintaining contacts and cooperating with companies from both the fruit and vegetable chain (eg breeding companies, growers' associations and/or trading companies) and technology companies.
In the crop management and product quality team, more than 30 researchers work on all kinds of aspects of the quality, cultivation and crop physiology of horticultural crops. Important research topics include determining various quality aspects in the chain, such as flovour, shelf life and healthy ingredients; controlling plant growth and quality (increasingly data-driven) using, among others, LED lighting; and the development of sustainable and circular production systems for both the greenhouse horticulture and the flower bulb sector.
We ask
- Academic work and thinking level;
- Relevant education and/or experience, for example: plant sciences, applied biology, sensory research or food sciences;
- Minimum 5 years work experience;
- Knowledge and network in the (greenhouse) horticulture chain;
- Knowledge of the product quality of horticultural crops;
- Experience with account management and/or acquisition;
- Experience with project management of (research) projects, organizational qualities;
- Experience with data analysis and the development of statistical models is an advantage;
- Affinity with sensory research; knowledge of relevant research methods and techniques;
- Affinity with working in a contract research organization;
- Good command of the Dutch and English language;
- Possession of driver's license B.
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- flexible working hours can be determined in consultation with colleagues in such a way that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
- the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 4% (as of December 2021);
- excellent pension scheme.
Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
More information
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Eric Poot, teamleader, telephone +31 (0) 317 485554 or by e-mail eric.poot@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.
More information about the businessunit Greenhouse Horticulture & Flowerbulbs can be found on: Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs - WUR.
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including January 25, 2022, but in the meanwhile registrations will also be assessed. So don't wait too long and respond quickly!
We would like to receive only your CV and motivation letter in this round. Other documents will be discussed in a possible second round and will then be requested.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University and 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, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.
Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video 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.
Apply now
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
