PhD position: Microfluidic NMR spectroscopy for microbiological investigations Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Seeking a passionate PhD candidate to join an exciting project on microfluidics and NMR spectroscopy, aimed at uncovering microbial interactions in anoxic environments. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams using state-of-the-art 3D printers and CNC machines. Enjoy a dynamic work-life balance with partially paid parental leave, access to campus sports facilities, and a year-end bonus. Contribute to groundbreaking research while benefiting from excellent growth opportunities in a vibrant international community. Continue reading to find out why this challenge is waiting for you.

Your job

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in microfluidics, hardware development and NMR spectroscopy. The project focuses on designing and manufacturing innovative microfluidic devices to be used for discovering and isolating novel syntrophic microbes from anoxic environments, with the aim of understanding microbial interactions, metabolic capabilities, and ecological roles. The PhD position is part of the NWO-funded project ‘BREATHLESS: uncovering the love affairs of anaerobic microbes through omics and microfluidics’. You will focus on the microfluidics design and fabrication part in the project, and will be working in close collaboration with a partner PhD candidate in the Microbiology group. By prototyping a variety of microfluidic devices, you will isolate and characterize microbes and investigate them under anoxic conditions with microliter-scale NMR spectroscopy to study metabolism at the single- or aggregate-cell level. You will be based at the Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology and work in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Microbiology, fostering interdisciplinary research between the two teams at the interface of microbial  ecology and advanced analytical technology. In our laboratories we have state-of-the art 3D printers and CNC machines as well as NMR spectrometers.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and manufacture microfluidic chips and devices which should be operational under oxygen-free conditions.
• Integrate NMR detectors and electronics with the anoxic microfluidic platform and perform high-resolution in-vivo spectroscopy.
• Investigate microbial interactions with the developed devices, particularly performing metabolic profiling using NMR spectroscopy. Integrate advanced analytical technologies with microbial ecology, through interdisciplinary collaboration between the Laboratories of BioNanoTechnology and that of Microbiology.
• Communicate research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and collaborative meetings.
• Participate in teaching and mentoring of students.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair group BioNanoTechnology where you will work under supervision of prof. dr. Aldrik Velders and dr. Sander Baas. The project is conducted under co-supervision in close collaboration with prof. dr. Diana Machado de Sousa of the Microbiology group.
Your qualities

You are a curious and highly motivated individual with a genuine passion for applied microfluidics, hardware development and spectroscopy. You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and you thrive in both independent and collaborative research environments.

You also possess:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Nanotechnology, Nanobiology, Biophysics, Biotechnology or related programs.
• Knowledge of microfluidics and state-of-the-art molecular spectroscopy techniques
• Experience with microfluidics and / or NMR spectroscopy is considered an advantage.
• Affinity for working with microfluidics and hardware development challenges
• Ability to manage time effectively, set goals, and achieve research milestones
• Strong interpersonal and social skills
• Interest in national and international collaborations and interdisciplinary research

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.
We offer you

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;
• 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 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 € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,-  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.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Aldrik Velders, via phone number +31 317 485970 or email: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via  email; via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

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 until October 6th, 2025. The first interviews are scheduled shortly after the closing date.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using this link.

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

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’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

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