PhD Candidate: Modulating plant-based nutrition to enhance the sensory aspects and nutritional value

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Plant based protein sources are essential for the transition towards a more sustainable food system. However, food products derived from these proteins are often commercially less attractive because of their bitter taste and the presence of compounds that interfere with nutrient uptake (anti-nutrients). In this project we aim to stimulate binding between proteins and polyphenols to induce: (1) a reduction of bitterness in food products containing plant proteins; (2) a more nutritious product through the deactivation of anti-nutrients and improved polyphenol absorption.

PhD Candidate: Modulating plant-based nutrition to enhance the sensory aspects and nutritional value

• Our goal: to enhance the quality of plant-based protein products by stimulating the binding between proteins and polyphenols, in order to reduce bitterness, deactivate anti-nutrients, and improve polyphenol absorption.
• Your colleagues: This multi-disciplinary and challenging project called SENSSUPPLANTPRO will be performed at multiple locations (primarily in Venlo and in partly in Maastricht, both at Maastricht University, the Netherlands) within the research group Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health. The Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health group is part of the department of Human Biology in Maastricht and Sustainable Nutrition in Venlo. The research facilities of Maastricht University - campus Venlo are located in Brighthouse/Villa Flora, in the Venlo region. The Food and nutrient bioavailability for satiety and health group, where the research will be carried out, has a close collaboration with the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and the VieCuri Medical Centre in Venlo. The research facilities include dietary intervention facilities, clinical intervention laboratories, an exercise physiology lab, analytical facilities, a molecular biology lab and cell culture lab.

What you do

The PhD candidate will:

• Modulate the binding between proteins derived from lupin and polyphenols in isolated form or within existing food products;
• Use different in vitro digestion models such as the INFOGEST model and/or the TIM-1 dynamic model, to determine the effect of the food matrix on nutrient bioaccessibility and protein-polyphenol interactions; perform in vitro research using gastric, intestinal and colonic epithelial cell lines (e.g. NCI-N87, Caco-2) and organoid models combined with microbiota models to investigate intestinal absorption;
• Execute sensory profiling of food products through descriptive analysis and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) in trained and untrained panels and hedonic evaluation in panels of general consumers considering taste, smell and mouthfeel acceptance;
• Write a project proposal and obtain medical ethical approval for a randomized controlled trial; plan, coordinate and perform a human dietary intervention study;
• Write high-quality papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals (under supervision); stay up to date with the relevant scientific literature within the field; Complete a PhD thesis within 4 years;
• Analyze data and present research outcomes at group meetings, national and international conferences, and consortium meetings; collaborate with a multidisciplinary, cross-border team of researchers and stakeholders from the food supply chain, including consumers, companies focused on flavour perception, producers of protein-rich foods and suppliers of alternative protein ingredients; set up and maintain collaborations with academic and industrial partners;
• Perform biochemical laboratory analyses, microscopy analyses and accompanying data analyses; design and carefully execute experimental work, including handling and maintenance of cell lines;
• Supervise research assistants and students where appropriate.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

Next to a strong team-oriented mindset and excellent planning and organizational skills you bring:   

• Master Degree (MSc) in a relevant field, such as Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Health Sciences, Nutrition or Sensory Sciences;
• Experience with in vitro research including cell culture and molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, biochemical analyses are required, while an SMT certificate and experience with organoid culture is an advantage);
• Advanced skills in biostatistics, including the ability to independently perform statistical analyses on datasets using statistical software;
• Experience or demonstrated affinity with sensory studies/analyses is preferred;
• Experience with performing and/or designing clinical studies is considered an advantage;
• Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English; proficiency in Dutch and/or German is an advantage due to interaction with regional study participants in a clinical setting.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• A 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. 
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours. 
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas. 
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with. 
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities. 
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

About the Department of Human Biology

The Department of Human Biology is part of the Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), within the Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) of Maastricht University. The central research theme of the Department of Human Biology is Healthy Living with Obesity, Sarcopenia, Energy metabolism and Cardiometabolic Health as spearheads.

About NUTRIM

NUTRIM – Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism is part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. Around 450 researchers, including 300 PhD candidates and 65 support staff, collaborate across 21 biomedical, clinical, and behavioural science departments. NUTRIM advances health and personalised medicine by studying lifestyle- and disease-related metabolic disturbances and developing targeted nutritional, exercise, and pharmacological interventions, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and close collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and students. Its internationally recognised PhD programme provides strong supervision and training, fostering young researchers to bridge fundamental science with clinical practice and public health.

Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Mireille Sthijns at mireille.sthijns@maastrichtuniversity.nl or to Freddy Troost at f.troost@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 23 August 2026.

If you apply for this position, please include:

• A motivation letter
• A curriculum vitae, including name(s) of one or two people who can provide a recommendation;
• A “Project Assessment” (1 page maximum) that describes your understanding of the project (i.e.key objectives, tasks, your additional ideas), how you would apply your existing knowledge to the project, and what new skills or knowledge you hope to learn to complete the project successfully;
• Higher education certificates (incl. courses taken and marks achieved).

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.