Postdoc on Microplastics and Nanoplastics Analytics

The characterization of micro- and nanoplastics represents a new analytical growth pillar embedded within the Specialized Organic and Inorganic Analysis Laboratory (team GOAL). The goal of this project is to open up new frontiers regarding characterization of non-metallic micro- and nanoparticles (1nm-20µm). The achievement of these goals will require a wide set of complementary tools such as analytical and instrumental chemistry, physics and nanometrology. The laboratory has a wide experience in developing R&D projects and can deploy a wide range of complementary analytical techniques. GOAL hosts advanced analytical instrumentation including gas chromatograph (GC) linked to a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometers (GC-TOF-MS) in addition to more standard GC/MS and LC/MSMS systems. Nanomaterial detection platform comprising size distribution (NTA, DLS, CPS), zeta potential, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, (single-particle) ICP-MS, ICP-AES, size exclusion chromatography, field flow fractionation coupled on-line or off-line with light scattering (multi-angle classical light scattering and dynamic light scattering), UV or fluorescence detectors and ICP-MS, S(T)EM, FTIR, µXRF, and (particle-free) test chambers.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for 2 year postdoctoral position to work on nanoplastics analytics.

Responsibilities:

• Development of new analytical methods for microplastics and nanoplastics analysis.
• Writing reports for related HE projects, preparation of scientific articles, and presentation of results in group meetings and conferences.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment (e.g., Pyr-GC-MS)
• Complete documentation of research results.

• A highly motivated candidate with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and/or Environmental Sciences, possessing extensive experience in developing advanced analytical methods for the analysis of microplastics and nanoparticles (e.g., Pyr-GC-MS, µFTIR).
• Exceptional academic writing, organizational, and time management skills. 
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken, with a strong ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.
• A collaborative team player, adept at working within interdisciplinary settings to establish clear priorities while managing multiple timelines and objectives. 
• Programming languages such as Matlab and Python, and skilled in statistical analysis using tools like SPSS and R, are add on.

Offer

• A competitive salary package.
• You will be part of an organization where we show integrity and always strive for mutual benefit in close cooperation with all parties involved.
• VITO is an international organisation: 40 different nationalities work with us.
• You will learn life-long and develop your skills further by using the newest of the state-of-the-art analytical techniques.
• We consider work-life balance to be of paramount importance at VITO.