Auf einen Blick
- Aufgaben: Join us to develop methods for quantifying micro- and nanoplastics in food, focusing on fruits and vegetables.
- Arbeitgeber: Empa is a leading research institution dedicated to materials science and technology for societal well-being.
- Mitarbeitervorteile: Enjoy competitive salaries, career support, networking opportunities, and access to outstanding analytical infrastructure.
- Warum dieser Job: Make a real impact on public health and the environment through innovative research in a collaborative team.
- GewĂĽnschte Qualifikationen: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields; experience with analytical instruments is essential.
- Andere Informationen: Position starts February 2025, with a duration of two years; applications must be submitted online.
Das voraussichtliche Gehalt liegt zwischen 48000 - 72000 € pro Jahr.
Postdoctoral position in Method Development and Application for Micro- and Nanoplastic Quantification in complex Food Matrices (80 – 100%)
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa’s around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
Are you passionate about food safety and environmental science? We are seeking a dedicated PostDoc to execute our new project on Micro- and (Nano)plastics in food, with a focus on fruits and vegetables. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to vital research that impacts public health and the environment. The Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions and Air Pollution and Environmental Technology are offering such a position supported by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office in collaboration with EAWAG and Agroscope.
Your tasks
You will play a pivotal role in our project on micro- and (nano)plastics in food, specifically targeting fruits and vegetables method development. In this position, you will interact with the project partner and execute the project’s phases:
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive overview of current literature, allowing you to compile and synthesize findings critically to inform our research direction.
- Explore, adapt, optimize, and validate analytical methodologies for quantifying microplastics in complex food matrices. Identify the relevant types of plastics and their origins.
- Prepare and execute together with the project partners a pilot “food basket” study to investigate the occurrence of microplastics in commercially available products.
- Develop and propose original research ideas within the project’s framework. Your findings will be shared at consortium meetings and (inter)national conferences, and you will contribute to the scientific community by publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in polymer chemistry, analytical science, and environmental science who wants to pursue cutting-edge research oriented towards micro- and nanoplastic research.
A completed Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Analytics, or a related discipline is mandatory. Hands-on experience in sampling, sample preparation, and state-of-the-art analytical instruments is required. Self-driven curiosity and strong observational skills during experimentation are highly desirable. Fluency in both verbal and written English is required.
Our offer
The Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory is located in St. Gallen at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, providing an inspiring environment for high-impact research. We have internal expertise in (nano)materials engineering, biology, ex vivo models, biomedical engineering, computational biology, and we are strongly connected to external collaborators and Federal Offices to ensure the project’s success. Additionally, Empa offers outstanding analytical infrastructure, career support, networking opportunities, and competitive salaries. The position is available starting February 2025 or upon agreement, with a planned duration of two years.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful activities – that’s what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
Job details
Title
Postdoctoral position in Method Development and Application for Micro- and Nanoplastic Quantification in complex Food Matrices (80 – 100%)
Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, conducts cutting-edge materials and technology research.
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Postdoctoral position in Method Development and Application for Micro- and Nanoplastic Quantifi[...] Arbeitgeber: Karlstad University
Kontaktperson:
Karlstad University HR Team
StudySmarter Bewerbungstipps 🤫
So bekommst du den Job: Postdoctoral position in Method Development and Application for Micro- and Nanoplastic Quantifi[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest research on micro- and nanoplastics in food. This will not only help you understand the current landscape but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of environmental science and polymer chemistry. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential collaborators and gain insights into ongoing projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with analytical instruments and sampling techniques. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous research.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your self-driven curiosity and observational skills by discussing any innovative research ideas you have related to microplastics. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for the subject.
Diese Fähigkeiten machen dich zur top Bewerber*in für die Stelle: Postdoctoral position in Method Development and Application for Micro- and Nanoplastic Quantifi[...]
Tipps für deine Bewerbung 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description and understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the postdoctoral position. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Motivation Letter: Your motivation letter should clearly express your passion for food safety and environmental science. Highlight your relevant experience in polymer chemistry and analytical science, and explain why you are excited about this particular project.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your hands-on experience with sampling, sample preparation, and analytical instruments. Include any previous research projects related to micro- and nanoplastics, as well as your publication record if applicable.
Provide References: Include contact details for two reference persons who can vouch for your qualifications and research capabilities. Make sure to inform them in advance so they are prepared to provide a recommendation.
Wie du dich auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch bei Karlstad University vorbereitest
✨Show Your Passion for Food Safety and Environmental Science
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food safety and environmental science during the interview. Share specific examples of how your research interests align with the project on micro- and nanoplastics in food, particularly in fruits and vegetables.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with analytical methodologies and state-of-the-art instruments. Highlight any relevant projects where you optimized or validated methods for quantifying microplastics or similar substances.
✨Prepare for Literature Discussion
Since a key task involves maintaining an overview of current literature, come ready to discuss recent findings in the field of micro- and nanoplastics. This will show your ability to critically synthesize information and inform research directions.
✨Emphasize Collaboration and Communication Skills
As the role involves interaction with project partners and sharing findings at meetings and conferences, highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Provide examples of successful collaborations and how you effectively communicated complex scientific concepts.