Assistant Professor in Food Safety

Join the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor in food safety. You will play a key part in shaping the development of veterinary professionals in public health. Your main work will focus on conducting impactful research and contributing to educational and policy initiatives in food safety within the One Health framework.

Your job
As assistant professor in food safety, you will primarily focus on conducting cutting-edge research, specialising in quantitative analyses of big data, field data, and genomic data. Your work focus on (molecular) epidemiological studies aimed at mitigating public health risks associated with zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. A key aspect of your research will involve developing and applying innovative methodologies for assessing specific health risks within the food production chain, as well as methodologies to improve quality control and assurance in the context of process safety.

In addition to traditional epidemiological approaches, you will explore the application of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance risk assessment. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of tasks, including:

• securing research funding;
• leading collaborative projects;
• supervising students, PhD candidates, and postdocs;
• publishing high-impact research;
• disseminating findings to both scientific and public audiences.

Additionally, you will integrate your research with teaching activities, contributing to the development of innovative educational programmes. You will play a key role in shaping food safety research in our group and will be expected to foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the broader academic and public health communities.

You are a confident and experienced researcher. You take initiative and thrive in collaborating within multidisciplinary, international teams. With a strong independent work ethic, you proactively seek new research opportunities and engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Additionally, you have the ability to inspire both colleagues and students, fostering a positive and productive working environment. Specifically, you:

• have a PhD and a degree in veterinary medicine, biology, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, public health, or a related field;
• have proven experience in quantitative research, with strong skills in advanced data analysis and bioinformatics;
• have a strong affinity for microbiology, microbial genomics, and risk assessment, especially related to foodborne pathogens, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging threats at the human-animal-environment interface;
• have a solid track record of published research in relevant fields;
• are an enthousiastic teamplayer with an established One Health network;
• have experience with grant writing and project management (preferred);
• are willing to contribute to teaching activities and pursue a University Teaching Qualification within two years (if not already held);
• have an excellent command of spoken and written English, with a willingness to learn Dutch.

If you’re looking to thrive in a dynamic, international environment and contribute to groundbreaking research, this position offers the perfect opportunity to advance your career and make a difference.

We offer:

• an employment contract for 12 months, with the prospect of a permanent employment contract upon satisfactory performance;
• a working week of 32 to 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,537 and €6,209 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is an interfaculty research institute (a collaboration between the faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Science) at Utrecht University. Additionally, IRAS is supported by the RIVM and TNO Research and Consultancy. The mission of IRAS is to provide education and conduct research on health risks to humans from exposure to pathogens and potentially harmful substances in the environment, at work, or in the food chain. The institute also conducts research on the effects on ecosystems.

At IRAS, the One Health Microbial group, led by Prof. Dr. Lidwien Smit, consists of approximately 40 colleagues. Within this group, part of the staff works in the Veterinary Public Health (VPH) team led by Prof. Dr. Lapo Mughini-Gras. The VPH team is committed to bridging the gap between One Health research and daily veterinary education. Our group is multidisciplinary and consists of lecturers and researchers; you will have the opportunity to find inspiration and to develop your talent in an academic environment closely linked to professionals.