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.
Requirements
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 .
Contract terms
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.