PhD Student – Improving Analytical Methods for Food ...

Sciensano is a renowned scientific institute that is dedicated to the challenge of uniting science, health and society. Sciensano is made up of more than 1000 passionate workers who are committed every day to serving human and animal health through a variety of activities carried out in a professional and independent framework. Thanks to its long tradition of scientific expertise, Sciensano has distinguished itself as a leading scientific and public institution, but also as a key player in the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment Today, Sciensano draws its strength and specificity from a global and multidisciplinary approach to health, mobilizing unique research angles with the objective of contributing to the health of everyone.

Sciensano as your future employer ? Working at Sciensano means that you are choosing to give your vocation a strong societal turn, by becoming an actor/actress of a better future in the field of health. You believe that you have the expertise and commitment that we are looking for in our future colleague ? Then don't wait any longer At Sciensano, every worker is a strength, and deserves our full attention. You will discover an organization with a human face, where people development is a priority, and where excellence shines, no matter the position. You will evolve in a warm environment where the values of kindness, inclusion, diversity, respect and openness turn into a reality. Our people enjoy conditions supporting a right work-life balance, they benefit from a generous number of vacation days, together with a salary in line with the scales in force within the Federal public services. They also enjoy a multitude of benefits that we can't wait to share with you

Various job opportunities are offered at Sciensano. We are currently looking for a PhD Student - Improving Analytical Methods for Food Additives in Laboratory.

POSITION

You will join the "Organic Contaminants and Additives" department at Sciensano as part of the EURL-FIA (European Reference Laboratory for Food Improvement Agents) project. The Organic Contaminants and Additives department evaluates the potential risks of organic contaminants that may pose a threat to the population via food, the environment, or contact materials, such as materials that come into contact with food. In addition, scientists in this service study the presence and potential risks of food additives and flavorings

Short resume of the function :

This position requires organizing, implementing, and monitoring the research project aimed at enhancing the availability and analytical coverage of methods for determining additives and unauthorized substances in food. The results of this work will be compiled into a doctoral thesis, which you will defend to obtain a PhD in Science, in close collaboration with Prof. Adrian Covaci and Prof. Nina Hermans (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp).

Your tasks will involve, among others, :

• Participate in EURL-FIA (European Reference Laboratory for Food Improvement Agents) activities and contribute to scientific report writing
• Implement and optimize analytical methods (e.g., LC, GC-MS) developed within the project, using both established techniques, while keeping up to date with cutting-edge technologies
• Propose innovative and harmonized validation protocols and post-validation processes
• Present research results to national and international audiences
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals

PROFILE

• Degree:
  Master's degree in bioengineering, analytical chemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field
• Motivations :
  Strong interest in laboratory work and autonomous research; Clear career aspiration to complete a PhD.
• Professional experience :
  No previous experience required

Soft Skills :

• Flexibility and ability to manage competing priorities
• Analytical mindset, precision, and attention to detail
• Scientific curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Excellent interpersonal skills (communication, representation, networking)
• Initiative and collaborative spirit
• Persistent to conduct a PhD project over 4 years
• Hard skills :
• Keen interest in food science and food additives
• Experience with chromatographic and spectrometric techniques
• Affinity for statistical methods and willingness to develop them
• Asset : familiarity with sample preparation techniques (SPE, QuEChERS, etc.)

Language proficiency :

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (presentations, publications)
• Knowledge of Dutch or French is an asset

OFFER

PhD fellowship agreement
within a renowned scientific institute for a fixed period of
4 years
.

Clear and transparent remuneration:
€2,350/month, increased to €2,500/month after 2 years at Sciensano (gross – PhD student salaries are exempt from income tax).

An environmentally conscious employer:
100% reimbursement of commuting costs by public transport or subscription.

An attractive working schedule:
possibility of teleworking and flexible hours within a 38-hour work week.

A stimulating work environment:
great opportunities to develop both soft and hard skills, including access to digital tools (SciensanoAcademy) and in-person training during working hours.

Main work location:
14 Juliette Wytsman Street, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium. The position requires to travel to the University of Antwerp.

Application deadline:
At the latest by 31st of October 2025

CONTACT

1° Our recruiters will analyze each application

2° We will then send you an email to inform you of the decision made based on your cv and cover

letter

3° The candidates whose application best matches the position will be invited for a job interview

Further questions ?
Contact us