Postdoc: MP Quantification in Fruits & Vegetables - Method Dev

Zürich, Switzerland | 80-100%

• Develop dedicated sample preparation workflows to isolate microplastic (MP) from different fruit and vegetable matrices, starting off from established in house protocols for MP extraction and detection in complex environmental samples by FPA-μ-FTIR or QCL based IR imaging
• Transfer the developed pipeline into a verified standard operating procedure suitable for routine conditions
• Establish “risk based” and “exposition based” monitoring strategies for MP in selected fruits and vegetables and conduct corresponding pilot studies
• MP quantification, data analysis and interpretation
• Reporting to authorities, stakeholders, and the scientific community at national and international meetings, conferences, by means of presentations, reports and publications

• Develop dedicated sample preparation workflows to isolate microplastic (MP) from different fruit and vegetable matrices, starting off from established in house protocols for MP extraction and detection in complex environmental samples by FPA-μ-FTIR or QCL based IR imaging
• Transfer the developed pipeline into a verified standard operating procedure suitable for routine conditions
• Establish “risk based” and “exposition based” monitoring strategies for MP in selected fruits and vegetables and conduct corresponding pilot studies
• MP quantification, data analysis and interpretation
• Reporting to authorities, stakeholders, and the scientific community at national and international meetings, conferences, by means of presentations, reports and publications

• PhD in chemistry, environmental sciences, material sciences or a related field
• Solid background in polymer chemistry and environmental analytical chemistry, knowledge in fruit and vegetable production and food safety aspects
• Hands‑on experience in sampling, sample preparation and state‑of‑the art analytical instruments to quantify MP in environmental compartments
• Experience in programming and data analysis
• Self‑driven curiosity and strong observational skills during experimentation
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

The project is financed by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office and will be executed in collaboration with Eawag (Dr. Ralf Kägi) and Empa (Dr. Christoph Hüglin, Prof. Peter Wick). The formal employment and supervision is with Agroscope, the working place is in the particle laboratory of Dr. Ralf Kägi at Eawag, Dübendorf. The employment is for a fixed term of 2 ½ years, starting in October 2026 or by agreement.

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the successful Swiss model and work for the public good.
• Embracing diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we draw on our expertise and contribute different perspectives.
• Staying healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

The 'Environmental Analytics' Research Group supports and serves Agroscope researchers in chemical-analytical matters. In addition, it contributes with methodology development and its own research projects to an improved understanding of the fate and behaviour of substances in the anthroposphere, the agricultural sector and the environment. Its target analytes range from heavy metals to microplastics by way of organic micropollutants.

Thomas Bucheli Research Group Leader +41 58 46 87342