RIKILT Wageningen UR, Business Unit Contaminants & Toxins, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Vacant position nr: RIK2014.301.02

We are

The expertise group Contaminants of RIKILT Wageningen UR is specialised in the development and application of analysis methods for inorganic and organic contaminants. In the recent years this includes method development for the determination of nanoparticles in food and products. Our nano-analytical group focusses on the detection, characterisation and quantification of nanoparticles in complex matrices as food, cosmetics, consumer products and biological samples. We coordinate international research projects (NanoLyse, NanoDefine) and are involved as WP leader or partner in various other international and national projects (e.g. SUN, MARINA, NanoReg, QualityNano). RIKILT is a leading institute in the analysis of nanomaterials (inorganic, organic as well as carbon nanoparticles) and our portfolio of techniques involves single particle ICP-MS, FFF coupled with ICP-MS, HDC coupled with ICP-MS, MALDI-ToF-MS and SPR biosensors. This is complemented by longstanding experience in sample preparation from the respective matrices as well as method validation and standardization. In the area of nanotoxicology we are involved in in-vivo studies with focus on oral exposure and in the development and use of innovative in-vitro approaches.

We are looking for

A Post-Doc scientist in the nanomaterial characterisation area who will:

• develop methods for the analysis of nanoparticles by single particle ICP-MS and FFF, including sample preparation from complex matrices (food, cosmetics), mainly in the framework of the EU project NanoDefine (www.nanodefine.eu);
• implement new approaches and techniques in the respective analytical areas;
• publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and present the results at international conferences;
• collaborate with international top institutes in the area within the NanoDefine project;
• contribute to deliverable and periodic reports of NanoDefine;
• collaborate on related national and international projects within the RIKILT nano- group;
• support the acquisition of new projects.

We ask

• A creative, ambitious, result-driven scientist with a PhD in analytical chemistry and who enjoys multi-tasking;
• Experience in the analysis of nanomaterials, use of FFF, (sp-) ICP-MS and light scattering techniques; or proven expertise in analytical techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry and a strong drive to engage in nano-analytics; experience in EM would be a plus;
• Technical skills, e.g. in coupling of instruments;
• Enthusiastic, focused, and able to work both independently as well as in a team of researchers;
• Ability to structure tasks and results;
• Adequate track record in scientific writing and presenting.

We offer

A challenging position within the Expertise Group Contaminants. We offer a full-time position for one year, starting as soon as possible, in a pleasant and high-level research environment which offers ample possibilities for your development as a scientist. After one year extension of two years will be considered based on demonstrated performance. We offer a salary based on position and experience in combination with excellent secondary employment conditions.

Information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Birgit Dauwe, Business Unit Manager,birgit.dauwe@wur.nl, Tel. +31 317 482042.

Applications

Please submit your letter with CV via the button on our website before 8th of January 2015. Interviews are planned on Wednesday morning 14th of January. A screening research is part of the selection procedure and employment conditions at RIKILT Wageningen UR. Do not send email applications, applications submitted through the website http://www.wageningenur.nl/en.htm will be considered only.

About RIKILT Wageningen UR

We are part of the international knowledge organisation Wageningen University & Research centre. RIKILT conducts independent research into the safety and reliability of food. The institute is specialised in detecting and identifying substances in food and animal feed and determining the functionality and effect of those substances.

RIKILT advises national and international governments on establishing standards and methods of analysis. RIKILT is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week in cases of incidents and food crises.

Most of our work is commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Other parties commissioning our work include the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), foreign governments, social organisations and businesses. For more information about RIKILT, please visit our website: www.WageningenUR.nl/en/rikilt.