Postdoc AI-Driven Allergen Early Warning Systems for Novel Foods

Your job

We are seeking a talented post-doctoral researcher for a one-year position to work on a cutting-edge research project exploring the role of AI in developing an Allergen Early Warning System (EWS) for novel foods. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of AI-driven models that enhance food safety by predicting and identifying potential allergens in novel food products.

The position focuses on understanding how AI can support the development of an Allergen Early Warning System (EWS) for novel foods, ensuring high-quality and safe food products. The research will investigate how AI models can predict allergenic risks by analyzing diverse data sources related to food composition, processing, and consumer responses. The AI system developed will utilize advanced techniques such as machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and predictive modeling to detect potential allergens and provide early warnings, enhancing food safety and decision-making in novel food production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage stakeholders to identify drivers, indicators, and user requirements through co-creation events and expert consultation.
• Collect and analyze data from public sources and literature to monitor allergen risks in novel foods.
• Develop and implement AI algorithms and LLMs for identifying emerging allergens using natural language processing and predictive analytics.
• Design, develop, and implement the Allergen Early Warning System (EWS), integrating AI algorithms for real-time monitoring and alerting.

You will work here

This position is based at the Information Technology Group, Social Science Department, Wageningen University.

Your qualities

You have:

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong experience in developing AI-driven systems, including real-time monitoring applications.
• Proven expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive modeling.
• Experience in data collection from diverse sources (e.g., web scraping, media monitoring, databases).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and software development for AI integration.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and novel food systems is an advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills for working with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1 .

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.546,- and € 5.538,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the organisation’s financial situation.

If you are an internal employee, your current contract is the starting point. Ask your HR Business Partner about your situation specifically. 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.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Yamine Bouzembrak via yamine.bouzembrak@wur.nl

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@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 15 November 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the closing date. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 3 November 2026.

To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your research experience and motivation, and contact details for two academic references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

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 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.