Dr. Nico Claassens

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Nico J. Claassens is an Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Netherlands. His research focuses on the development of new rational methods to engineer metabolism in synthetic cells, utilizing targeted multiplex genetic engineering and quantitative proteomics. His research group is dedicated to designing and engineering synthetic pathways that promote the efficient use of next-generation, sustainable feedstocks, including CO2, one-carbon substrates, formate, methanol, and hydrogen. Dr. Claassens aims to contribute to the biotechnology sector by producing carbon-based products sustainably using CO2 and renewable energy sources. His specific interests include the production of food proteins and other food substances, and he advises the start-up company Farmless to further this vision. After obtaining his PhD from Wageningen University in 2017, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam until 2019. In addition to his research, Dr. Claassens has extensive teaching experience and is involved in science communication through various media outlets. He has received distinctions such as the NWO-Veni grant and the NVBMB Prize from the Dutch Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He also co-founded SynBioNL, the Dutch Synthetic Biology Association, and serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Microbial Cell Factories.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2020-01-01 — 2023-01-01

Wageningen University • Wageningen, Netherlands

Conducting research and teaching in the field of microbiology and biotechnology.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2017-01-01 — 2019-01-01

Max Planck Institute • Potsdam, Germany

Conducted research supported by Dutch Science Organisation (NWO) Rubicon fellowship.

Awards

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NWO-Veni Grant

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NVBMB Prize

Requirements for Wageningen University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.8
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:59
Reading
Required:59
Writing
Required:59
Speaking
Required:59
Overall
Required:62
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field of science relevant to the selected programme Sufficient academic performance (unweighted average 70% or 7.0/10.0) Basic knowledge of Statistics and Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate (or recent transcript if not graduated)
  • Transcript of academic records
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
  • Statement of Purpose (optional but recommended for specializations)
  • Copy of passport
Specialization Notes

Master's programs are 2 years (120 ECTS). Admission decisions are usually issued within 6-8 weeks.