PhD Position at Utrecht University, Netherlands | Micro- and Nanoplastic Research | Apply Now & Earn Upto €4,051

Are bio-based and biodegradable plastics truly safer, more sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials? This Utrecht University PhD investigates how these plastics degrade, what particles and chemicals they release, and their potential effects on human health. The project combines analytical chemistry, materials characterisation and in vitro toxicology to inform the design of next-generation plastics.

  • Position: PhD position in micro- and nanoplastic research

  • Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

  • Research Institutes: Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry (ISCC) and Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS)

  • Working Hours: 36–40 per week

About The University

Utrecht University’s strategic themes include Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability, reflecting its ambition of “Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.”

The Faculty of Science comprises six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

This project connects two research environments:

  • ISCC: Sustainable materials, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry and advanced characterisation.

  • IRAS: Human health risks from environmental exposures, including micro- and nanoplastics, human toxicology, neurotoxicology and risk assessment.

Utrecht University PhD: Research Overview

The project follows bio-based and biodegradable plastics through degradation, examining changes in the original material, the formation of micro- and nanoplastics, chemical leachates and potential health hazards.

In this Utrecht University PhD, you will spend approximately half your time at ISCC and half at IRAS, bridging chemistry and toxicology. The research also involves collaboration with the BIOSTAR-SSbD consortium and its academic, societal and industrial partners.

The goal is to translate experimental findings into Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) recommendations.

Key Research Responsibilities

  • Expose polymers and plastic products to controlled food-contact and environmental conditions.

  • Investigate changes in material chemistry, physical properties and integrity.

  • Characterise micro- and nanoplastics, dissolved compounds and leachates using infrared microspectroscopy, AFM, AFM-IR, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry.

  • Assess cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and endocrine activity through a tiered in vitro strategy.

  • Investigate higher-tier effects in human-relevant intestinal, liver, immune and neuronal cell models.

  • Study particle uptake, barrier integrity, inflammation, metabolism and neurotoxicity.

  • Integrate chemical and toxicological results into actionable SSbD recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have a completed or nearly completed MSc, within three months, in Chemistry, Toxicology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Materials Science or a closely related field.

The role also requires:

  • Experience in micro- and nanoplastic research, or experience combining chemistry and toxicology during BSc or MSc research projects.

  • Experimental experience in analytical or materials chemistry, such as FT-IR microspectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy.

  • Experimental experience in in vitro toxicology.

  • A critical, independent mindset.

  • Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Good written and spoken English.

Salary, Contract and Benefits

The gross monthly salary is €3,204–€4,051, based on a 38-hour working week under the CAO NU PhD Candidate scale.

The initial 18-month contract can be extended to a total of four years following a positive assessment.

Benefits include:

  • 8% holiday pay.

  • 8.3% year-end bonus.

  • Pension.

  • Partially paid parental leave.

  • Flexible employment terms through the Utrecht University Terms of Employment Options Model.

How to Apply

Apply by 30 November 2026. Submit a motivation letter, CV and answers to two questions: first, describe a project in which you combined chemistry and toxicology—or related fields—including your role and the outcome; second, explain how you would translate findings on plastic degradation and health effects into actionable SSbD recommendations, using an example. Highlight relevant experimental methods and interdisciplinary research experience. Knowledge security screening may form part of the selection process.

Additional Information

  • Contract: Initially 18 months, extended to a total of four years after a positive assessment

  • Gross Monthly Salary: €3,204–€4,051, based on a 38-hour week

  • Salary Scale: P, CAO NU – PhD Candidate

  • Additional Payments: 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus

  • Start Date: No later than 1 June 2027, preferably earlier

  • Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

For researchers interested in the connection between sustainable materials and human health, this Utrecht University PhD offers an opportunity to assess emerging plastics across their degradation pathway and turn chemical and biological evidence into practical design recommendations.

APPLY ONLINE HERE