PhD Positions in Portable Mass Spectrometry for Food Toxin Detection Wageningen University and Research in Netherlands

Wageningen University and Research is advertising two fully funded PhD positions in portable mass spectrometry for food toxin detection within the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, in close collaboration with Wageningen Food Safety Research. The positions are part of the NWO-funded VIDI project GPS4FoodSafety, which aims to develop novel routes toward molecular selectivity in ambient ionization for portable mass spectrometry to detect natural toxins in crops and water at the point of need.

The two PhD projects are complementary. PhD1 focuses on chemical modification of cellulose paper to create highly selective solid-phase extraction devices for targeted contaminants such as plant toxins and cyanobacterial toxins, including 3D printing and rapid prototyping of modular sample extraction and handling devices. PhD2 focuses on non-conventional adduct formation in the gas phase to induce differential fragmentation of closely related compounds during MS/MS, together with ion mobility and product-ion spectrum studies for confident molecular identification comparable to LC-MS/MS.

Applicants should hold an MSc in (bio)analytical chemistry, food chemistry, food safety, or a related field. Strong interest and skills in analytical chemistry, preferably mass spectrometry, are expected; experience with instrumental analysis of plant or cyanobacterial toxins is preferred. The role also requires strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, plus the ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team. English at C1 level is expected, and a recognized language certificate may sometimes be required.

The position is based at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. The project is supervised by Dr. Gert Salentijn with support from Dr. Laura Righetti and Prof. Han Zuilhof. The post includes a fully funded PhD salary, starting at €3,059/month and rising to €3,881/month in year four, along with standard employment benefits and a tailored training program.

To apply, submit a CV and motivation letter via the WUR vacancy page. The combined length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. Grades and transcripts are not required at this stage. The application deadline is 2026-05-01.