Postdoc position on Micro- and nanoplastics analysis in human samples

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Medical sciences
Physics
Technology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

22 Mar 2024 – 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

You will use pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) to quantify a wide variety of polymers in various human matrices, to assess the internal exposure. You will work on the quantitative analysis of MNPs in liver, spleen, bile, and urine. Adherence to strict QA/QC procedures is needed to produce high quality, reliable results. This work is embedded in the MOMENTUM2.0 project (https://momentummicroplastics.nl/ , and https://projecten.zonmw.nl/en/project/microplastics-health-expanding-momentum-momentum-20 ).

You will build further on existing analytical methodology, but also advance our methods using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) approaches for quantification and characterization of polymers and leachates.

The vacancy is embedded in the section Chemistry for Environment and Health of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) in the Faculty of Science of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. A-LIFE brings together the former departments of Environment & Health, Molecular Cell Biology and Ecological Sciences. A-LIFE seeks to connect properties and emerging behaviours across all scales, from molecules to ecosystems, including human populations. The section Chemistry for Environment and Health, headed by prof. dr. Marja Lamoree, investigates environmental and human exposure, focusing on the development and application of advanced analytical methods for accurate, robust exposure of the assessment to a wide variety of chemicals, and including micro- and nanoplastics.

Come join our team to study the impact of micro- and nanoplastic exposure!

Your duties

• Prepare human blood and other human samples for quantitative analysis using pyrolysis GC-MS
• Develop analytical methods using GC-HRMS for the identification and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics in human materials
• Collaborate with MOMENTUM project partners and colleagues in the lab related to other projects
• Handle paperwork related to the transfer and analysis of human samples (Material Transfer Agreements, etc)
• Give regular progress updates at MOMENTUM project meetings and group meetings
• Supervise students (BSc, MSc) doing an internship or literature study within the MOMENTUM project
• Write progress reports and scientific papers

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• A PhD in analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry or a closely related field with a track record of internationally, peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of and experience with instrumental analysis, quantitative methods, sample preparation and QA/QC
• The work with human samples requires the candidate to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Experience in writing scientific papers and research grant proposals in English.
• The capacity to motivate and guide students at PhD, MSc and BSc level
• High energy multi-tasker with exquisite attention to detail.
• Excellent social skills, and be an excellent team builder and collaborator

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.877,00 (Scale 10.4) and maximum € 4.786,00 (Scale 10.10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year.

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)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and an assessment are part of the application procedure.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337873/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HZ

Street

De Boelelaan 1108

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337873/postdoc-position-on-micro-and-nanopl…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED