The Faculty of Science and Institute of Environmental Sciences are looking for:

Lab technician to study plastic particles in food chains (1.0 fte)

Vacancy number: 15151

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widely recognized as contaminants of emergent concern. Recently there is significant focus on plastic contamination of terrestrial ecosystems as soil contamination is thought to be 4-23 fold higher than in aquatic systems. Agricultural lands are a major sink of MNPs. Importantly, we have recently demonstrated that plants can take up microplastics in their roots, and transport them to their shoots. This means that humans, as well as herbivores, can potentially accumulate MNPs via this pathway. In this project we will investigate the uptake and transport of MNPs with different characteristics into crops, and their potential trophic transfer to herbivores.

The overarching objective of our research project is to quantify the uptake and transfer of MNPs in edible plants and edible organisms to provide key data for this exposure pathway. This will provide important new information about the risks associated with MNPs in the human food basket. To this end, we will expose edible plants (e.g., lettuce, spinach, carrot, or wheat) to different traceable MNPs to measure uptake and transfer from roots to shoots. Next, leaves are fed to edible organisms (e.g., escargots or caterpillars as future foods) to determine trophic transfer and bioaccumulation. In addition to studying accumulation and trophic transfer, we will also investigate the impact on organisms (for example on plant performance or animal behavior).

We are looking for a technician who will be responsible for this state-of-the-science approach to study impacts on MNPs in the human food basket. The candidate will be responsible for conducting laboratory experiments, and data collection. Importantly, this provides excellent networking opportunities for the candidate, as this project is part of a large consortium (called Momentum 2.0, which builds on Momentum 1,0: https://projecten.zonmw.nl/en/project/microplastics-and-human-health-consortium-momentum). The technican will also help coordinate the project and liaise with the overarching MOMENTUM 2.0 consortium.

The starting date for this position is on October 15, 2024 or as soon as possible. The contract will run until 31 July 2025.

Key tasks

• Execute experiments in our laboratory facilities on plants and invertebrate herbivores
• Help analyse results and assist in preparing scientific publications
• Help in project coordination

Selection criteria

• A BSc or MSc degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, ecotoxicology, and/or biology), but we also consider candidates from other scientific fields with good laboratory skills
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments is appreciated
• Willingness to develop analytical chemistry skills (we have other lab technicians to support this)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and good communication skills
• Team player and having a collaborative attitude

Research at our Institute/Faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,800 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 130 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, and other partners.

For more information, see https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl and https://workingat.leiden.edu. Information about CML can be found at https://www.cml.leiden.edu

Terms and conditions

We offer a position with a maximum of 10 months contract and following the pay scale 7 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 2.793,- to € 4.255.- gross per month

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Thijs Bosker: t.bosker@cml.leidenuniv.nl

Applications

Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A brief CV (1-2 pages, focusing on skills obtained during the BSc and/or MSc degrees)
• A motivation letter

The application is open until October 3rd 2024 or until the position has been filled. Interviews will be on Tuesday October 8t,h 2024 in the morning, and the start date is as soon as possible.