Published on: August 19, 2025 Your JobAs PhD candidate, you will be part of the project SHIELT – Shelf-life for plant-based meat alternatives. This project aims to develop predictive microbiology and risk assessment tools to support safe-by-design development of plant-based meat alternatives improving supply chain sustainability and limiting food waste. The novelty of the project relies on the development of multi-species prediction models and risk assessment frameworks describing the dynamics and interactions of spoilage microorganisms and pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus in plant-based products. The SHIELT project is in collaboration with Wageningen Food Biobased Research (WFBR) and various industrial partners. Your duties and responsibilities include:
You Will Work HereThe research is embedded within the laboratory of Food Microbiology, and member of the FHM team, which is led by Prof. Marcel Zwietering. You will be co-supervised by Dr. Cristina Serra-Castelló and Prof. Heidy den Besten. Your Qualities
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. We Offer YouWageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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 €3059 per month rising to €3881 in the fourth year, 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. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere. You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 20th consecutive time. 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: For more information about the procedure, please contact: Do You Want to Apply?Please note that only applications submitted through our website will be considered. Deadline: Friday, 12th of September 2025 Additional information form: 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 ValuedWageningen 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 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. 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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