Researcher biopolymers

Your job

Are you a researcher with a passion for biopolymers and their functional properties? Are you fluent in Dutch? Do you enjoy tailoring these properties for a variety of sustainable applications? Are you interested in working with modification technologies, whether (bio)chemical or physical? Do you enjoy using advanced analytical techniques to understand structure–function relationships and translate them into fossil-free biobased products? And would you like to contribute, through both fundamental and applied research, to the development of sustainable materials and chemicals for a circular bioeconomy?

If so, we are looking for you!

We are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial researcher to strengthen our biopolymer research projects through scientific expertise and business development activities.

What will you do?

As a Biopolymer Researcher, Your Responsibilities Will Include

• designing and conducting research on biopolymers (such as polysaccharides and lignin), with a focus on structure–function relationships;
• applying and combining advanced analytical techniques, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and NMR, for the characterization and functionalization of biopolymers for biobased materials. Affinity with rheology is considered an advantage;
• interpreting experimental data and translating findings into scientific insights and practical applications;
• developing new analytical methods and experimental strategies within ongoing and new research projects;
• contributing to both fundamental understanding and applied innovations aimed at sustainable chemicals, materials, and processes;
• collaborating within multidisciplinary project teams and contributing to reports, scientific publications, and presentations (both internal and external);
• supporting project leaders in formulating research questions and developing project proposals.
  
  

You will also actively contribute to the acquisition of new projects by:

• identifying opportunities within national and European funding programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe, NGF, MOOI);
• developing and writing project proposals together with colleagues and external partners;
• maintaining and expanding a relevant network of industrial and academic partners.
  
  

What is it like to work with us?

You will work in dynamic multidisciplinary project teams consisting of a project leader and one or more researchers. You will be involved in multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that no two days are the same. You will have the opportunity to share your ideas, develop yourself professionally, and acquire new skills.

Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our work. You will be part of an environment where your knowledge and commitment are truly valued.

What do we do?

Within our Biorefinery and Sustainable Value Chains research group, we conduct applied scientific research. We are committed to building a circular bioeconomy and a future that relies less on fossil resources and generates lower CO₂ emissions.

We investigate biobased feedstocks and biopolymers, studying their structure and functionality. Using this knowledge, we develop sustainable solutions, including environmentally friendly materials for applications such as construction, water purification, and personal care ingredients.

Through your work, you will contribute to products that help create a better world.

Your qualities

• a completed MSc degree, preferably complemented by a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field;
• demonstrated experience with advanced analytical techniques such as LC/GC, MS, and/or NMR;
• knowledge of and interest in biopolymers and biobased materials;
• strong analytical skills and the ability to understand structure–function relationships;
• experience in designing experiments and critically interpreting research data;
• excellent communication skills and experience in reporting, presenting research results, and writing scientific publications;
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment;
• excellent command of Dutch (C1 level) and English (B2 level), due to interaction with Dutch-speaking clients and stakeholders, applying without fluency in Dutch will not be successful.
• experience with applied research and collaboration with industry.
  
  

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level (https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale) B2.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment (https://www.wur.nl/en/jobs/conditions-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;
• 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 year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• 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 between €3399,- and €6228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended, if possible within (company) organizational circumstances, on good performance.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Jan Jetten, manager Biorefinery & Sustainable Value Chains, via +31 317-485146 or email: jan.jetten@wur.nl (mailto:jan.jetten@wur.nl).

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via email: rutger.voorrips@wur.nl (mailto:rutger.voorrips@wur.nl).

Ready to apply?

Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply up to and including the 31st of August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before July 26th 2026.

Please note that feedback may be delayed due to summer holidays.

Procedure

As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.

Welcome, safe, and valued

Wageningen 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 are

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 (https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs/Why-choose-WUR.htm) why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below 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.