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

• 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

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

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

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.