Senior Researcher Product Quality and Flavour Greenhouse Horticulture

 

We are looking for

Would you like to contribute to the competitiveness of the horticultural value chain (vegetables, fruits and flowers), by achieving a better quality of greenhouse horticultural products? Is your passion development and application of innovative measuring methods for quality aspects such as flavour? 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 is looking for you!

Product quality takes a central place with us. With the motto “Determine flavour without tasting” we develop methods based on sensors and models that predict quality aspects, such as liking and freshness perception by consumers. We also develop production methods that improve smell, flavour, shape and shelf life of fruits and flowers. We can use these methods at various points in the supply chain to ensure the high level of quality of fruit and vegetable.

As Senior Researcher Product Quality you will, among others:

• Realize and execute research project for the horticultural value chain to measure and control the quality of horticultural products;
• Collaborate with companies in the horticultural value chain such as breeding companies, growers and trade companies, and with technology companies;

You collaborate in the team of Physiology and Product Quality with our physiologists and crop specialists. Approximately 20 researchers work in our team on different aspects of quality and crop physiology of horticultural crops. Important research topics include determining various quality aspects in the chain, such as flavour, shelf life and healthy ingredients; data and AI driven control of plant growth and quality (e.g., using LED lighting); and the development of sustainable, energy efficient and circular production systems that connect with the value chain from breeder to consumer.

We ask

• Academic working and thinking level;
• MSc or PhD in, for example, plant science, applied biology, sensory research or consumer studies;
• A minimum of 5-10 years of working experience;
• Acquainted with the (protected) horticulture value chain; knowledge of product quality of horticultural crops, from production to consumer trends;
• Capable of development and implementation of an innovative vision.
• Experience with networking and acquisition of large and complex projects in which private and public stakeholders collaborate;
• Organisational capabilities, such as guidance of colleagues and project management of large (international) research projects;
• Knowledge of relevant research methods and techniques, such as sensory and shelf life research;
• Affinity with working in a contract research organization;
• Goede communicatieve vaardigheden, kunnen opereren in een multidisciplinaire omgeving.
• 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:

  • working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
  • 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;
  • 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 December bonus of 4%;
  • excellent pension scheme.

  In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of max € 6.229,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 12). Additionally, a contract for 32 FTE can be discussed.
  
  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.
  
  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 17^th consecutive time.
  
  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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

  More information

  For more information about this position, please contact Anne Elings, teamleader, phone +31(0)317-483250 of by e-mail anne.elings@wur.nl or with Eva Ketel, Researcher Product Quality phone +31(0) 317- 487797 of by e-mail eva.ketel@wur.nl.
  For more information about the procedure, please contact Ine van’t Land, corporate recruiter by e-mail vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
  
  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 31 July 2022.

  We hope to schedule the first job interviews the second week form August.
  We would like to recieve in the first round only your CV and motivaitonal letter. Other documents can be offered during the second selection round.
  
  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

  Wageningen University & Research
  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, 7.200 employees and 13.200 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 colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!
  
  Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture 
  Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture is a well-established international contract research organisation, working on innovative solutions for protected cultivation. Together with companies, government and research organisations, we work on research questions on  greenhouse design, cultivation systems and crop protection, and translate these to applied and strategic research projects.
   
  The business unit Greenhouse Horticulture has approximately 120 employees in different research teams:

  • Crop protection, water and soil
  • Physiology and product quality
  • Crop management
  • Greenhouse technology

  we will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies, please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
  
   

  Apply now