PhD: Meat Aroma Generation in Plant-Based Meat via Thermomechanical Processing

Do you have a keen interest in flavor chemistry? Do you want to contribute to the flavor of next-generation plant-based meat analogues? We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student to study how flavor precursors can be used to enhance meat aroma and reduce off-notes in plant-based meat analogues.

Your job

Do you have a keen interest in flavor chemistry? Do you want to contribute to the flavor of next-generation plant-based meat analogues? We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student to study how flavor precursors can be used to enhance meat aroma and reduce off-notes in plant-based meat analogues.

Although many modern plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) exhibit fibrous meat-like textures, consumer acceptance remains limited due to insufficient meat aroma and persistent off-flavors. PBMAs are typically produced by texturizing plant proteins through extrusion or shear cell processing, both of which involve elevated temperatures. Interestingly, the characteristic aroma of cooked meat is also generated at high temperatures through reactions such as the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation.

In this project, you will investigate how protein texturization and aroma generation can be integrated into a single processing step. You will explore the effects of different aroma precursors, texturization conditions, and protein sources on the flavor profile of PBMAs. To characterize the resulting aroma compounds, you will work with state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including GC-HRMS and UHPLC-HRMS, complemented by sensory evaluation studies. Your research will contribute to the development of plant-based meat products with improved flavor and consumer appeal.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• designing, performing and interpreting experiments for simultaneous texturization and flavor generation in PBMAs;
• contributing to the development and optimization of analytical methods;
• publishing your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting them at (inter)national scientific conferences;
• supervising BSc and MSc students during their thesis and helping with education;
• fulfilling the requirements of the PhD program, including completing a training and supervision plan to further develop your personal skills as a researcher.

You will work here

The research is embedded within the laboratory of Food Chemistry and the laboratory of Food Process Engineering, where you will be part of a dynamic and international groups of scientists. You will be part of the flavor chemistry team in Food Chemistry, led by dr. Roelant Hilgers and the food structuring team led by prof. Atze Jan van der Goot of Food Process Engineering.

Your qualities

You are a self-starting, independent, and resilient person with experience in or a strong affinity for flavor research.

You also possess:

• a successfully completed academic degree (MSc level; recognized in The Netherlands) in Food/Analytical Chemistry or a related field;
• experience with gas chromatography and/or mass spectrometry;
• experience with chemometrics (preferably);
• experience with or affinity for food processing techniques, such as protein texturization;
• strong social skills and are willing to actively contribute to a good team atmosphere.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer

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 € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- 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.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organization. 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 dr. Roelant Hilgers, Assistant Professor Flavor Chemistry, via email: roelant.hilgers@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: evelien.janssen@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total ):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 31 August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 15 August 2026.

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.