Postdoctoral Researcher: Raman Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics

About the role

A 2-year, full-time postdoctoral position (extension subject to funding) is offered within an interdisciplinary project between the Department of Nephrology, Inselspital Bern / University of Bern and the Particle Laboratory at Eawag in Dübendorf. The project investigates micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in dialysis samples and later in blood and other matrices from hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. The postdoc is hosted in the Particle Laboratory, which is run jointly by Eawag, Empa and Agroscope.

Key responsibilities

• Establish a workflow for detecting, identifying and quantifying MNPs by spontaneous Raman microspectroscopy, starting with dialysate (with and without patient contact).
• Develop sample preparation, filtration, particle deposition, automated detection, spectral identification and a QA/QC concept (procedural blanks, recovery experiments with reference particles).
• Benchmark the Raman workflow against complementary techniques such as stimulated Raman scattering or O-PTIR spectroscopy with partner institutes.
• Extend the pipeline to more complex matrices, especially blood (plasma, whole blood) and possibly kidney tissue, including digestion or clean-up procedures compatible with Raman analysis.

Required profile

• PhD in analytical chemistry, physics, materials science, environmental sciences, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with Raman microspectroscopy or closely related vibrational spectroscopy techniques.
• Demonstrable English (ideally also German) and willingness to work at the interface of environmental analytical research and clinical medicine.

Required skills

• Raman microspectroscopy (essential)
• Analysis of small particles in complex matrices, sample preparation of biological samples, or automated microscopy and spectral data processing (e.g. Python or R) are strong assets

What we offer

• Supervision by PD Dr. med. Fabienne Aregger (Inselspital / University of Bern) and Dr. Ralf Kaegi (Eawag)
• Access to a new Raman microscope (from early 2027), FT-IR microscopes and automated optical and SEM systems
• Salary according to University of Bern and Swiss National Science Foundation regulations
• Start date 01.02.2027 or upon agreement

Applications: cover letter, complete resume with publications, PhD certificate and two to three academic references. Deadline 15 December 2026 or until the position is filled.