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Utrecht University
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PhD Position in Micro- and Nanoplastic Research Utrecht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051 for a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and other employment benefits. The position starts as an 18-month appointment with possible extension to four years after positive assessment.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Utrecht University
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About this position
This PhD project at Utrecht University investigates how bio-based and biodegradable plastics break down and what that means for human health and safer materials design. The research links analytical chemistry with toxicology to follow plastics through degradation, identify the resulting micro- and nanoplastics and leachates, and study their biological effects.
You will work on the full chain from polymer degradation to hazard assessment. The project includes exposing pristine polymers and plastic products to controlled food-contact and environmental conditions, then tracking changes in chemical composition, physical properties, and material integrity. You will characterize degradation products using advanced techniques such as infrared microspectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, AFM-IR, electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry.
The biological part of the project uses tiered in vitro testing to examine cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, endocrine activity, and more advanced mechanisms of toxicity. Human-relevant cell models from intestinal, liver, immune, and neuronal systems will be used to study particle uptake, barrier integrity, inflammation, metabolism, and neurotoxicity.
A distinctive feature of the position is that you will work across two complementary environments at Utrecht University: the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry (ISCC) and the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). Your formal appointment will be in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, while your research will be split roughly equally between ISCC and IRAS. The project is embedded in the BIOSTAR-SSbD consortium and brings together chemistry, materials science, toxicology, and academic, societal, and industrial partners.
The position offers an interdisciplinary setting with access to expertise and infrastructure for plastic degradation, micro- and nanoplastic generation and characterization, and in vitro toxicology. You will be joining collaborative research teams where chemical and toxicological insights are actively connected to support Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches for next-generation plastics.
Funding details
Gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051 for a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and other employment benefits. The position starts as an 18-month appointment with possible extension to four years after positive assessment.
What's required
A completed or nearly completed (within 3 months) Master’s degree in chemistry, toxicology, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, materials science, or a closely related field is required. Applicants should have experience in micro- and nanoplastic research, or in both chemistry and toxicology during Bachelor’s or Master’s research projects, plus experimental experience in analytical/materials chemistry and in vitro toxicology. A critical, independent scientific mindset, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, and good written and spoken English with strong communication skills are expected.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit your application before 2026-11-30. For questions, contact [email protected] by email.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.