The department of Estuarine & Delta Systems (NIOZ-Yerseke) is looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and independent postdoc to carry out research, embedded into project work on the effect of environmental and cultivation conditions on the biochemical composition of macroalgae. In close collaboration with project partners (academia and commercial) we aim to identify and verify cultivation conditions for optimum biochemical composition and flavour profiles of selected seaweed species of commercial interest (e.g. Porphyra, Ulva, Gracilaria, Palmaria). The efforts will tightly link improved fundamental understanding of seaweed physiology and biochemistry to real-world applications as part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary project team.
THE DEPARTEMENT
The NIOZ Department of Estuarine & Delta Systems (EDS) focuses on understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their physical and chemical environment in estuaries and delta’s. We are based in Yerseke, on the Eastern Scheldt but we also work on other estuarine systems worldwide. Our aim is towards an integrated understanding of the functioning of estuary and delta systems, in the context of natural and human-induced environmental changes.
The POSITION
The position requires a thorough understanding of the importance of environmental conditions on macroalgal physiology and biochemical composition. A sound knowledge of general assays to analyse the biochemical composition (such as proteins, polysaccharides, pigments and MAAs, antioxidants and other high-value compounds) is required.
The position will involve designing, planning and executing experiments using the laboratory and cultivation facilities of EDS and the Seaweed Centre at our Yerseke location. Furthermore, the role includes data analysis and publication of research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presenting research findings at scientific meetings and translating results into project-related deliverables. Additionally, the position will require a pro-active involvement in the project work including attending and contributing to project meetings and close interaction with project partners. Occasional travel to NIOZ-Texel to make use of the facilities of the Seaweed Centre Texel and further laboratories is encouraged. The position aims to start as soon as possible and is limited to a period of 24 months (depending on seniority).
THE PROJECT
Seaweeds offer high application potential (e.g. as food, feed, fertiliser, cosmetics…) given their valuable profile rich in proteins, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins and other bioactive compounds. However, their dynamic physiology is strongly influenced by environmental factors, leading to significant variation in their biochemical composition, requiring a thorough understanding. While the variation in biochemical composition offers opportunities to enhance specific compounds of interest through controlled cultivation conditions, it poses challenges for companies relying on sourcing wild biomass or developing specific cultivation protocols. The position will support ongoing projects (I3-4-SEAWEED, AlgFlavor, BIG-ALGAE), that have in common to increase our understanding of the influence of environmental conditions (such as light quality and quantity, nutrient availability, temperature, desiccation…) on the biochemical composition of macroalgae for high-value applications.
THE CANDIDATE
You should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
The ideal candidate has a research interest and scientific expertise in the influence of environmental conditions on the biochemistry an physiology of seaweeds
You have comprehensive experience in designing, executing and analyzing scientific experiments, ideally with a focus on quantifying environmental effects on the biochemical composition of seaweeds
You are familiar with extraction and analysis of seaweed proteins, pigments, antioxidants and ideally other compounds such as polysaccharides
You have a demonstrated ability to work accurately, are well-organized, and can adapt to developing insights
You have a demonstrated ability to work with scripting software (e.g. R) for visualisation and analyzing purposes
You are highly self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
You have excellent writing and communication skills (in English), first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and have presented at scientific meetings and/or conferences
CONDITIONS
Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I for a limited period of max. 24 months (depending on seniority)
Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10 or 11 depending on relevant experience.
The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.
338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.
Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.
Telephone allowance of €15 per month, prorated for your employment.
2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.
Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.
We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.
MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Jessica Knoop ([email protected]). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to [email protected] .
The application deadline is the 30th of August. Interviews are expected to be hold on the 9th or 11th of September. Ideal starting date is the 1st of November 2026 (or as soon as possible).
