Postdoctoral scientist in analytical chemistry (m / f)

LNS - Laboratoire National de Santé; Merzig; Vor Ort; EUR 38.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral scientist specialized in analytical chemistry to contribute to projects assessing human biological monitoring and environmental analyses. This role supports public health by developing analytical methods and engaging in research activities related to environmental hygiene and occupational health. Candidates should possess a PhD and expertise in GC-MS techniques, paired with strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifikationen

• Expertise in analytical methods for complex organic compounds using GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, or LC-MS/MS.
• Experience in developing methods for organic pollutants.
• Fluency in English and/or French.

Aufgaben

• Establish analytical methods for organic pollutants in human and environmental samples.
• Draft SOPs and protocols, validate methods according to ISO standards.
• Publish methodologies in peer-reviewed journals.

Kenntnisse

Analytical methods development

Human biological monitoring

Chemical analysis

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ausbildung

PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS/MS

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoctoral scientist in analytical chemistry (PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field) Ref° 522 (m / f)

The LNS is a major player in Luxembourg’s healthcare sector, serving the country’s patients, doctors and hospitals. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the LNS is a multidisciplinary public institution organized around six medical departments, including two national diagnostic centers for human genetics and pathology.

The LNS employs around 400 highly qualified staff with diverse backgrounds. Its main goals are to develop analytical activities and scientific expertise for the prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring of human diseases, act as a national control or reference laboratory, and carry out forensic missions. The LNS collaborates with the University of Luxembourg and other biomedical research institutions both nationally and internationally for research and teaching.

Specifically, in diagnostics, the LNS covers fields like medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine, environmental medicine, pathology, clinical genetics, sequencing for rare diseases, oncology, and pathogens.

About the Department of Health Protection and the Service ‘Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring’ :

The Department supports public health related to environmental issues, including indoor pollution, occupational environments, and consumer products, through expert advice, education, and research. Key stakeholders include hospitals, ministries, and occupational health services in Luxembourg.

The Department hosts two services:

• The Service “Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring” conducts chemical and microbiological analyses in dust, air, and surface samples (ISO / IEC 17025 accredited). It analyzes concentrations of substances or metabolites in human samples like blood, urine, and hair, focusing on biomarkers of exposure and effects relevant to disease pathways.

This service is a partner in the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), funded by Horizon Europe (2021-2027), involving 200 partners across Europe, including national and EU agencies and research organizations.

• The Service “Medical Expertise and Data Intelligence” provides medical, epidemiological, and toxicological expertise in environmental and occupational health. It supports the National Service for Environmental Medicine and manages European science-policy programs and epidemiological surveys involving human biological monitoring and exposure assessment.

A departmental administrative team and a quality/technical team support the services and department head.

As a Postdoctoral scientist in PARC, you will report to the Head of Service and will:

• Establish analytical methods for organic pollutants and their metabolites in human and environmental samples using GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-QTOF, and/or LC-MS/MS;
• Develop innovative sampling methods for human biomonitoring and occupational hygiene;
• Draft SOPs and protocols for these methods;
• Validate methods according to ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189 standards;
• Publish methodologies in peer-reviewed journals;
• Support laboratory technicians;
• Participate in maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments;
• Engage in other PARC activities, including meetings, workshops, and reporting.

This list is not exhaustive and tasks may vary based on project needs.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, with expertise in GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, and LC-MS/MS for analyzing complex organic compounds;
• Experience in human biological monitoring and chemical analysis in environmental matrices;
• Experience in developing analytical methods for organic compounds;
• Proven track record of publications and conference presentations;
• Fluency in English and/or French (spoken and written).

Assets include:

• Knowledge of additional techniques like ICP-MS;
• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025 or 15189 accredited labs;
• Statistical analysis skills;
• Proficiency in Luxembourgish and German;
• Strong organizational, analytical, teamwork, and communication skills.