As a part of a European project, we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled early-stage scientist to join our highly dynamic team as a PhD candidate. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our research and development efforts in the field of microalgae lipid metabolism engineering and photosynthesis, and will have the opportunity to join a highly exciting international European consortium and team. This position requires a strong foundation in molecular engineering, metabolic pathway analysis, and synthetic biology, along with hands-on experience in bioreactor operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• design, execute, and optimize experiments focused on lipid production in microalgae;
• engineer and manipulate metabolic pathways to enhance lipid biosynthesis;
• apply synthetic biology techniques to modify and optimize microalgal strains;
• operate and maintain bioreactors for the cultivation and experimentation of microalgae;
• analyze data and interpret results to drive project progress and innovation;
• prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations to communicate research outcomes.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the bioprocess engineering (BPE) chair group. BPE is at the forefront of biotechnology, dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions through advanced scientific research and innovation. Our team focuses on harnessing the potential of microalgae for various biotechnological applications, particularly in the area of lipid engineering.

• MSc in Life Sciences related field, especially: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field;
• demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in molecular engineering and synthetic biology of eukaryotic microalgae;
• basic/advanced understanding of photosynthetic metabolism;
• strong background in metabolic pathway analysis and genetic manipulation;
• practical experience with bioreactor systems and microalgae cultivation;
• proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including gene cloning, CRISPR, and DNA assembly;
• excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data clearly;
• valid English certificate (e.g., TOEFL) for non-Dutch degrees.

Preferred Qualifications:

• previous experience and/or knowledge in lipid metabolism and engineering and/or microalgae research within lipid metabolism or photosynthesis research;
• familiarity with omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics);
• experience with bioinformatics tools and software;
• experience with metabolic model is a plus.

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.

When crafting a motivation letter for the position in engineering the lipid metabolism in microalgae, we ask to convey your passion, expertise, and fit for the role. During the application, include a motivation letter that clearly and concisely answer at least one of the questions below, and an updated CV.

Can you describe a project or research experience where you explored metabolic pathways? What were your key findings and how did they contribute to the research field?

What aspect of metabolic engineering do you find most fascinating, and how do you stay current with the latest developments in this area?

How would you approach problem-solving when faced with challenges in metabolic pathway engineering?

Only candidates that fulfill the selection criteria will be considered.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 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 € 2.770 - per month rising to € 3.539,- 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.

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 19th 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.

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. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & 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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

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, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.