POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN BIOINFORMATICS (FERMI – NWO Perspectief Project)

Nieuwe Universiteitsgebouw (NU)

Amsterdam

1 / 1

Faculty of Science

Researcher / Postdoc

Postdoc

Closes on

21-03-2026

Publishing date

24-02-2026

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Are you a motivated postdoc with expertise in multiomics data integration and an interest in linking enzymes and pathways to sensory profiles? Join VU Amsterdam and help drive sustainable food innovation within a national research consortium.

Your function

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics to join the Bioinformatics Group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as part of the FERMI project (“Fermentations Optimized by Rational Models to Improve Plant-based Substrates”), funded by the NWO Perspectief programme.

FERMI is a large interdisciplinary collaboration between academic partners and industry, aiming to improve the quality, nutritional value, and sensory properties of plant-based foods through optimized fermentation processes. Within this project, the postdoctoral researcher will focus on computational approaches to link metabolomic profiles to taste and sensory outcomes, and on the integration of multi-omics data, including genomics and proteomics, to better understand and predict fermentation-driven transformations.

You will work closely with experimental scientists, data scientists, and industrial partners, contributing to the development of data-driven models that connect molecular-level changes to functional and sensory properties of food.

Your duties

The postdoctoral researcher will focus primarily on research (approximately 80–90%), and strongly interact with other team members. To ensure good interactions within the project the person will be embedded within two groups on VU campus (SystemsBiologyLab/Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and in the Bioinformatics group). Key responsibilities include:

developing and applying bioinformatics and statistical methods to analyze metabolomics data in relation to enzyme identification, taste and sensory profiles
integrating heterogeneous omics datasets (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) using reproducible and FAIR-compliant data workflows
contributing to the development of predictive or explanatory models for fermentation outcomes
collaborating closely with experimental researchers within FERMI and with external academic and industrial partners
publishing research results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at international conferences
co-supervising MSc and PhD students where relevant
contributing to project meetings, reporting, and consortium-wide activities

Your profile

We will base our selection on the following criteria:

a PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Data Science, Computational Metabolomics, or a closely related field
demonstrated experience with omics data analysis, preferably including metabolomics
experience or strong interest in multi-omics data integration (e.g. combining genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics)
solid programming and data analysis skills (e.g. Python, R, Unix-based workflows)
an international research profile, evidenced by publications in relevant journals
ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
good communication skills in English

Experience with sensory data analysis, microbial metabolism, or food-related research is considered a strong asset but is not mandatory.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging and impactful postdoctoral position within a high-profile national and international research programme that bridges academia and industry. The position is embedded in a vibrant and international research environment at VU Amsterdam. In return for your efforts, we offer you:

a position for at least 0.8 FTE and a temporary employment contract for the duration of 3 years. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. After a successful evaluation, the appointment will be extended for an additional 2 years
a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary will depend on your education and experience

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
solid pension scheme (ABP)
contribution to commuting expenses
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programs and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the “Apply” link on the VU Amsterdam vacancy website before 21/03/2026. Applications should include a CV, a short motivation letter, and contact details of at least two referees.

For questions about the position, please contact:

Name: Halima Mouhib
Position: Associate Professor
E-mail: [email protected]

For questions regarding relocation to Amsterdam and working at VU Amsterdam, please contact:

Name: Sara Veldhorst
Position: Relocation Advisor
E-mail: [email protected]

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.