Support research and product development through chromatographic analysis of complex food matrices. Requires a relevant BSc, two years of laboratory experience and hands-on GC-MS experience. 32–40 hours per week; €3,427–€4,652 gross per month on a full-time basis.
The role
As a research analyst in analytical chemistry, you will support research and product development projects as well as technical investigations. You will work with food products, ingredients and other complex matrices, combining hands-on laboratory work with data interpretation. Your analyses will provide insight into functionality, shelf life, flavour, stability and product quality.
Responsibilities
- Independently plan, prepare and carry out qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analyses, including GC-MS, GC-FID and HPLC/UPLC.
- Analyse volatile compounds, fatty acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and other components in complex food matrices.
- Interpret data, identify trends and communicate conclusions and recommendations to multidisciplinary project teams.
- Support product optimisation, shelf-life studies and root-cause investigations into product performance, flavour changes, stability and quality issues.
- Contribute to the development, validation and continuous improvement of analytical methods and workflows.
- Take responsibility for designated analytical instruments, including maintenance and troubleshooting, and liaise with suppliers and service providers as needed.
- Maintain high-quality results and laboratory standards, and contribute to lab digitalisation, automation and evaluation of new analytical technologies.
What you bring
- A relevant BSc degree, for example in Analytical Chemistry, Food Technology, Life Sciences or a related field.
- At least two years of experience in an industrial or research laboratory.
- Hands-on GC-MS experience; this is essential.
- Experience with LC methods, such as HPLC or UPLC, or motivation to develop expertise in them.
- Experience with sample preparation and analysis of complex food matrices.
- An interest in method optimisation, troubleshooting and equipment maintenance.
- A strong interest in data interpretation and scientific problem-solving, plus digital skills and interest in laboratory automation.
- Current residence in the Netherlands within commuting distance of Wageningen; fluent English. Dutch is an advantage.
- A proactive, accurate and pragmatic approach, with ownership and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines.
What is offered
- Location: Wageningen, Gelderland. Working hours: 32–40 per week; no specific shift pattern is stated.
- Gross salary of €3,427–€4,652 per month on a full-time basis, depending on experience and fit for the role.
- A 5% year-end allowance, a 10% bonus linked to company performance, 8% holiday allowance and a pension scheme.
- A train card and/or €0.23 per kilometre, capped at 30 km one way.
- 200 hours of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 40 hours.
- Training, coaching and internal career opportunities in an innovative environment where digitalisation and data-driven research are increasingly important.
- The contract type is not specified.