Postdoc: MP Quantification in Fruits & Vegetables - Method Dev. & Initial Application

Schweizerische Bundeskanzlei; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 110.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Public sector environment

Diversity & inclusion

Health & wellbeing

Zusammenfassung

Agroscope in Switzerland is seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop dedicated MP sample preparation workflows and quantify microplastics in fruit and vegetable matrices. You will adapt in-house protocols and advance analytical methods for routine application.

The role requires a PhD in chemistry or environmental sciences, strong polymer and analytical chemistry background, hands-on sampling, and programming/data analysis skills, plus proficiency in at least two Swiss official languages

Qualifikationen

• PhD in chemistry, environmental sciences, materials sciences or related field.
• Solid background in polymer chemistry and environmental analytical chemistry; knowledge of fruit and vegetable production and food safety.
• Hands-on experience in sampling, sample preparation and state-of-the-art analytical instruments to quantify MP in environmental compartments.
• Experience in programming and data analysis.
• Self-driven curiosity and strong observational skills during experimentation.
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English.

Aufgaben

• Develop dedicated sample preparation workflows to isolate microplastic from fruit and vegetable matrices using established in-house MP extraction protocols.
• Transfer the developed pipeline into a verified standard operating procedure for routine conditions.
• Establish risk-based and exposure-based monitoring strategies for MP in selected fruits and vegetables and conduct pilot studies.
• MP quantification, data analysis and interpretation.
• Reporting to authorities, stakeholders, and the scientific community at national and international meetings, conferences, by means of presentations, reports and publications.

Kenntnisse

Programming

Data analysis

Sampling

Sample preparation

Analytical instruments

Observational skills

Ausbildung

PhD in chemistry, environmental sciences, materials sciences

Tools

State-of-the-art analytical instruments

Jobbeschreibung

This is how you can contribute

• Develop dedicated sample preparation workflows to isolate microplastic (MP) from different fruit and vegetable matrices, starting off from established in house protocols for MP extraction and detection in complex environmental samples by FPA-\u00b5-FTIR or QCL based IR imaging
• Transfer the developed pipeline into a verified standard operating procedure suitable for routine conditions
• Establish “risk based” and “exposition based” monitoring strategies for MP in selected fruits and vegetables and conduct corresponding pilot studies
• MP quantification, data analysis and interpretation
• Reporting to authorities, stakeholders, and the scientific community at national and international meetings, conferences, by means of presentations, reports and publications

This makes you unique

• PhD in chemistry, environmental sciences, material sciences or a related field
• Solid background in polymer chemistry and environmental analytical chemistry, knowledge in fruit and vegetable production and food safety aspects
• Hands-on experience in sampling, sample preparation and state-of-the art analytical instruments to quantify MP in environmental compartments
• Experience in programming and data analysis
• Self-driven curiosity and strong observational skills during experimentation
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

Our benefits

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the successful Swiss model and work for the public good.
• Embracing diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we draw on our expertise and contribute different perspectives.
• Staying healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

Good food, healthy environment

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.