Job for Researchers: Program leader Contaminants

About the role

Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), is seeking a Programme Leader for its Contaminants sub-programme. Combining strategic insight with a helicopter view, you will help shape food safety research in the Netherlands and Europe, acting as the bridge between science and policy. You will be the face of a portfolio of approximately 50 projects and a leading figure in the contaminants field — or ready to develop into one.

The Contaminants sub-programme focuses on:

• Intentionally applied substances, including plant protection products used in agriculture and horticulture;
• Unintentional contaminants, such as environmental contaminants (e.g. PFAS) and process contaminants formed during food production;
• Natural toxins produced by fungi, plants, and algae;
• Known substances with established legal limits, as well as emerging substances, mixtures, and contaminants not initially expected in food products;
• Crisis networks (environment and drinking water, radiation and nuclear safety, terrorist attacks) and ad hoc projects arising from food safety incidents.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and programme project activities together with WFSR project leaders and experts in analytical chemistry, bioassays, toxicology, and food supply chains;
• Ensure alignment between project leaders and liaise with WOT programme leaders and external partners, including the NVWA and the Dutch Ministries of LVVN and VWS;
• Represent the sub-programme internally and externally as a customer-oriented, strategically thinking counterpart;
• Serve as a member of the management team of one of WFSR’s business units.

Requirements

• Broad knowledge of contaminants (preferably related to food production) and of analytical techniques used to monitor food safety and quality, or willingness to develop this expertise;
• Competencies in strategic thinking, teamwork, organisational awareness, resilience under pressure, entrepreneurship, and persuasiveness;
• English at CEFR level C1;
• Fluency in Dutch is a must-have for communication with Dutch stakeholders;
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field.

What we offer

• A competitive gross salary of €4,741 – €7,905 per month for a full-time working week of 36 hours (CLA Wageningen Research, scale 12–13);
• A working week of 32–36 hours; a 32-hour contract can be discussed;
• A two-year contract, extendable on good performance and organisational circumstances;
• Excellent pension scheme and other first-rate employee benefits;
• Support for international candidates, including visa application assistance, advice on housing, banking, dual career programmes, and schooling, and a possible tax exemption on part of the salary for the first five years in the Netherlands.

About Wageningen University & Research

WUR’s mission is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” With roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees, 13,100 students, and over 150,000 lifelong-learning participants, WUR is an internationally leading organisation in the domain of healthy food and living environment. WUR highly values diversity and inclusion and strives to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated.

How to apply

Applications are accepted exclusively through the WUR website and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline. The closing date is 3 August 2026; internal candidates are requested to apply before 8 June 2026. An assessment may be incorporated into the selection procedure.

Contact

For questions about the position, contact Charon Zondervan, Business Unit Manager ([email protected]). For questions about the procedure, contact Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter ([email protected]). No employment agencies, please.

Original vacancy