Maastricht University, campus Venlo is looking for a PhD candidate for the project: Assessing the safety of food packaging materials.

As part of the circular economy, there are many initiatives to convert waste into raw materials, to recycle plastic, metal and paper, and to convert biomass into bioplastics. In the promotion of the re-use of (waste) substances and the better use of biomass, more and more, plastic, paper and cardboard are recycled and used as food packaging material. These materials contain all kinds of chemical additives, such as lubricants, plasticizers, stabilizers, UV absorbers, colorants and inks, which can migrate into the food and thereby affect food safety. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to public health risks.  Approximately 6000 chemical compounds in food packaging materials have been identified that could migrate into the food, of which 77% was not assed for hazard properties.  Since we do not know these hazardous properties and the migration speeds of these compounds from the packaging to the food, it is difficult to assess the risks of these substances in food packaging materials.

The aim of the project is therefore to identify and experimentally assess the safety and migration of chemicals present in food packaging materials.

We are looking for a PhD-candidate with the following qualifications: 

• MSc. in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences or a related field.

• You have a solid theoretical background in- and affinity with cell biology and biochemistry

• hands-on experience with standard molecular techniques such as:

  • PCR,

  • Cloning,

  • RT-PCR,

  • Western blotting, and

  •  Immunocytochemistry

• An independent team player;

• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English;

• Ability to work effectively within a challenging multidisciplinary research environment.

Fixed-term contract: one year, with a three year extension upon proper functioning.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplemented with local UM provisions. For more information on terms of employment, please visit our website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18.000 students and 4.400 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.