Postdoc position: Exposure and safety assessment of PFAS and PFAS-free alternatives in health care University of Antwerp in Belgium

The University of Antwerp, a leading European institution, invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. This position is part of the EU HORIZON-IHI project PFAROS and focuses on improving our understanding of human exposure pathways to PFAS and PFAS-free alternatives within the health care sector. The research will be conducted at the Toxicological Centre (TC, UA), renowned for its analytical expertise and instrumental capabilities in human exposure assessment and environmental toxicology.

The successful candidate will contribute to mapping PFAS use across healthcare, supporting substitution and risk assessment. Responsibilities include categorizing PFAS by properties and functions, compiling toxicity, fate, exposure, and supply-chain data, and documenting potential PFAS-free alternatives. The role involves chemical analysis of PFAS and PFAS-free alternatives in selected articles and products using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, including non-targeted screening and cheminformatics approaches. Exposure assessment tasks include compiling existing data, exposure modelling, and scenario analysis using standardized methods (e.g., ISO, CEN) or LC-HRMS and/or GC-HRMS, focusing on human health exposure through leachables during use.

The postdoctoral researcher will refine and implement analytical methods at the TC, validate new methods for PFAS in emerging matrices, conduct research, and publish results to disseminate scientific insights. Additional duties include attracting external funding, coordinating project proposals in PFAS research, providing academic services, representing the research group internally and externally, building international scientific contacts, and supervising Master and PhD students.

Applicants must hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biomedical or environmental sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline. Preferred candidates will have a strong publication record and experience with external funding. Required skills include target and non-target analysis of PFAS at trace levels (by LC and/or GC-(HR)MS), experience with consumer (polymeric) products and leaching testing, and bioinformatics for processing (HR)MS data. Excellent English communication skills, motivation, planning, and organizational abilities are essential. The candidate should be able to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, international team.

The University of Antwerp offers a full-time postdoctoral scholarship for 12 months, with the possibility of extension to 36 months following positive evaluation. The monthly scholarship amount is determined by Contract Research Staff pay scales and includes ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. The start date is planned for 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The university provides scientific development opportunities in an international, cooperative, interdisciplinary research environment, access to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure, and opportunities to present research at international conferences and workshops.

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 17 August 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter, academic CV, and 1-2 letters of recommendation. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For job-related inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Adrian Covaci at [email protected].

The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The institution has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a sustainable, family-friendly working environment.