PhD in Bio-based Plastics: Analytical Chemistry & Toxicology

Utrecht University via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CAO NU salary 3,204–4,051 €/mo

8% holiday pay

8.3% year-end bonus

Pension scheme

Job summary

Utrecht University invites applications for an interdisciplinary PhD project focusing on bio-based and degradable plastics. The research connects analytical chemistry and toxicology to assess safety during degradation, identifying micro- and nanoplastics and leachates and evaluating health effects using in vitro systems.

You will work across ISCC and IRAS, collaborating with chemistry, materials science and toxicology teams, contributing to Safe and Sustainable by Design strategies and engaging

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, toxicology, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, materials science, or a closely related field (nearly completed acceptable).

Responsibilities

• Investigate plastic degradation under controlled conditions to study chemical changes.
• Characterize degradation products, including micro- and nanoplastics and leachates, with complementary analytical techniques.
• Assess human health hazards using in vitro toxicology with a tiered testing approach.
• Collaborate across ISCC and IRAS to bridge chemistry and toxicology insights.
• Translate findings into Safe and Sustainable by Design recommendations.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Toxicology

FT-IR micro-spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

FT-IR micro-spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

Job description

Utrecht University invites applications for an interdisciplinary PhD project focusing on bio-based and degradable plastics. The research connects analytical chemistry and toxicology to assess safety during degradation, identifying micro- and nanoplastics and leachates and evaluating health effects using in vitro systems.

You will work across ISCC and IRAS, collaborating with chemistry, materials science and toxicology teams, contributing to Safe and Sustainable by Design strategies and engaging