PhD positions: Portable mass spectrometry for food toxin detection

Do you have a strong affinity for innovative mass spectrometry and delivering a positive impact on global food safety? Do you take joy in creative processes and are you driven by curiosity? Are you a go-getter? Do you excel at working in teams? Then we are looking for you! 

We have two PhD positions available at the laboratory of Organic Chemistry (Wageningen University) in close collaboration with Wageningen Food Safety Research. The PhD positions are available in the NWO-funded VIDI project GPS4FoodSafety, which is focused on studying novel routes towards achieving molecular selectivity in ambient ionization for portable mass spectrometry – to detect natural toxins in crops and water at the point-of-need.

In this challenging project, you will work as a PhD student to develop novel approaches to impart chemical selectivity on easy-to-use sample probes that can be coupled to a portable mass spectrometer – and ultimately used outside the laboratory setting in food safety applications. The 2 PhD project both contribute to and collaborate on achieving this aim, yet have distinct focus. Please indicate whether you are interested in either or both PhD positions and in case of the latter specify preference:

• PhD1 will focus on the chemical modification of cellulose paper to create highly selective solid-phase extraction devices to enrich targeted contaminants (plant toxins and cyanobacterial toxins). Moreover, 3D-printing and rapid prototyping will be applied to develop modular sample extraction and handling devices, as well as for integrating the selective probes with the portable mass spectrometer.
• PhD2 will focus on the formation of non-conventional adducts in the gas phase to induce the differential fragmentation of closely related compounds during MS/MS operations. Moreover, the project will focus on studying ion mobility behaviour and product ion spectra from those adducts to achieve confident molecular identification, comparable to LC-MS/MS.

Relevant literature related to these positions can be found here: 

• Interconnectable 3D-printed sample processing modules for portable mycotoxin screening of intact wheat - ScienceDirect
• Rapid analysis of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol in Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol edibles by Ag(I) paper spray mass spectrometry after simple extraction - ScienceDirect
• Bifunctional Ti4+-modified paper for selective extraction or removal of phospholipids and paper spray mass spectrometry for bioanalysis in urine and plasma - ScienceDirect

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• Both PhD students will collaborate to achieve the analytical workflows for molecular identification of toxins using portable mass spectrometry, which will be demonstrated in pilot studies together with the project stakeholders.
• You will be expected to develop research questions, experimental approaches and execute the experiments in the lab, and during the pilot studies. You will report on your findings to the scientific community via peer-reviewed publication, and conference contributions.
• You will take part in the education of students through supervision of BSc and MSc students in laboratory courses and thesis projects.
• You will be registered with the graduate school and receive training in both field-specific, general scientific and soft skills to facilitate your professionalisation and development as independent scientist.

You will work here

The project is a part of an NWO Vidi grant, GPS4FoodSafety, awarded to Dr. Gert Salentijn, which will be executed in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry (Organic Chemistry - WUR), which is headed by Prof. Han Zuilhof. You will be supervised by Dr. Gert Salentijn with support by the other team members Dr. Laura Righetti and Prof. Han Zuilhof. The PhD project is a collaboration with Wageningen Food Safety Research. 

• A successfully completed MSc degree in (bio)analytical chemistry (preferred), food chemistry, food safety or related area.
• Complementary to or as a part of your MSc, you have a strong interest and demonstrable skills in analytical chemistry, preferably mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge of instrumental analysis of (plant/cyanobacterial) toxins is preferred.
• You have excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• A critical scientific attitude, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ready to collaborate and work as a part of bigger team.
• Ready to work in a multicultural and a multidisciplinary environment.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3,059.- per month rising to € 3,881.- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. 

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Gert Salentijn, associate professor, via phone: +31 6 49987780 or via email gert.salentijn@wur.nl. 
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, via email evelien.janssen@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• motivation letter.

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including Friday May 1, 2026. 

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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