PhD in Quantifying Indoor and Occupational Microplastic Exposure at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands

Utrecht University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on quantifying indoor and occupational microplastic exposure and developing interventions to reduce such exposure. The project is embedded in the interdisciplinary MOMENTUM 3.0 programme, funded by ZonMw, and integrates environmental exposure assessment, advanced analytical chemistry, behavioral science, and stakeholder engagement. The research will be conducted at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), and in collaboration with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

The successful candidate will design and conduct air measurements in homes and workplaces using citizen-science approaches, build and operate active air-sampling setups, and analyze microplastics using advanced techniques such as TED-GC/MS, SEM-EDX, and µ-FTIR. The role involves processing complex datasets to identify exposure patterns and determinants, as well as designing and evaluating intervention strategies like HEPA filtration and behavioral guidance. Collaboration with TNO and Utrecht University researchers across multiple disciplines is a key aspect, and the candidate will have opportunities to publish results and present at international conferences.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field, strong interest in environmental health, exposure science, and analytical techniques, and laboratory experience with spectroscopy or chromatography methods. The ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, along with good English communication skills, is required; Dutch is a plus.

The position offers a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms, and access to training and career development programs. The PhD is initially for 12 months, with extension to four years upon successful evaluation. The application deadline is 28 February 2026, and the intended start date is flexible, ideally before 1 May 2026.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Luke Parker (TNO) and Prof. Dr. Roel Vermeulen (Utrecht University). For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and contact details of at least two referees via the Utrecht University job portal.