Postdoc in PFAS Exposure and Safety Assessment in Health Care University of Antwerp in Belgium

University of Antwerp is advertising a postdoctoral position in PFAS exposure and safety assessment in health care within the Toxicological Centre and the EU HORIZON-IHI project PFAROS.

The project focuses on mapping the use of PFAS across health care to support substitution and risk assessment. The successful candidate will work on human exposure pathways to PFAS and PFAS-free alternatives, including production equipment, consumables, packaging, delivery devices, medical devices, complex machinery parts, and cleaning agents used in the health care sector.

Research tasks include chemical analysis of PFAS and alternatives in selected articles and products, advanced mass spectrometry-based screening, non-target analysis, cheminformatics, exposure assessment, extractables/leachables studies, exposure modelling, and validation/refinement of analytical methods. The role also includes publishing results, contributing to external funding proposals, representing the research group, building international contacts, and supervising Master’s and PhD students.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biomedical or environmental sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Strong experience with target and non-target PFAS analysis at trace levels using LC and/or GC-(HR)MS is required, along with bioinformatics skills for HRMS data processing and statistical analysis. Experience with consumer/polymeric products and leaching testing is an advantage. Excellent English and the ability to work full-time in a multidisciplinary, international team are expected.

Funding: this is a full-time postdoctoral scholarship holder appointment for 12 months, with a possible extension to 36 months after positive evaluation. The monthly scholarship follows University of Antwerp BAP pay scales, and additional commuting-related benefits are offered.

Application deadline: 17 August 2026 (midnight Brussels time). Apply via the University of Antwerp online application platform and include a motivation letter, academic CV, and 1–2 letters of recommendation.