Han Zuilhof

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 .

Wageningen University & Research is advertising two PhD positions in portable mass spectrometry for food safety , based in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and carried out in close collaboration with Wageningen Food Safety Research . The positions are part of the NWO-funded VIDI project GPS4FoodSafety , led by Dr. Gert Salentijn and headed within the lab by Prof. Han Zuilhof . The research focuses on innovative analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry approaches to detect natural toxins in crops and water at the point of need. One PhD project will work on chemical modification of cellulose paper, selective solid-phase extraction devices, and 3D-printed sample handling modules. The other will study non-conventional gas-phase adducts, ion mobility, and MS/MS fragmentation to improve confident molecular identification. Together, the projects aim to create easy-to-use, selective workflows for portable MS outside the laboratory. Applicants should have a completed MSc in (bio)analytical chemistry , food chemistry , food safety , or a related field. Strong skills and interest in analytical chemistry are important, preferably with mass spectrometry experience. Knowledge of plant or cyanobacterial toxins is preferred. The post also asks for strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and readiness to work in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team. English at C1 level is expected. The position is fully funded and includes a salary from €3,059 per month in year 1 to €3,881 per month in year 4, plus standard WUR employment benefits. The contract is initially for 18 months and may be extended for the project duration. The application deadline is 2026-05-01 . To apply, use the vacancy page on the WUR website and submit a CV and motivation letter (maximum 3 pages total). Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.