Postdoctoral Position in Raman-based Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics (MNP)

Postdoctoral Position in Raman-based Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics (MNP)

Start Date 01.02.2027 (or upon agreement)

Employment Relationship 100%, fixed-term (2 years; extension subject to funding)

Institution / Workplace Department of Nephrology, Inselspital Bern and
Particle Laboratory at Eawag (Swiss Federal Inst. of Aquatic Science) Dübendorf

Project description

Inselspital Bern/University of Bern and Eawag, Switzerland
Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoctoral position within an interdisciplinary research project investigating micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in dialysis samples (dialysate) and - at a subsequent stage of blood/other matrices - from hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Nephrology, Inselspital Bern/University of Bern and the Particle Laboratory at Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) in Duebendorf.
As a leading University hospital with a long-standing tradition, the Inselspital Bern is part of the Insel Group and represents a center of medical excellence and high technology with an international reputation. It combines first-class patient care with outstanding teaching and research activities.

Project and Background
Microplastic particles (1–1000 µm) have been detected in a wide range of environmental samples as well as in human body fluids and tissues, and the question of whether medical devices themselves act as a source of such particles is receiving increasing attention. Hemodialysis treatments circulate a patient's blood over many hours through polymer-based tubing sets and membranes, making dialysis a highly relevant setting to investigate a potential release of plastic particles directly into the bloodstream and the dialysate.
Of particular concern are particles around and below 1 µm, i.e., at the transition between microplastics and nanoplastics (1–1000 nm). These particles are collectively referred to as micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in this project. Reliable data on MNPs are, however, scarce, because these particles are at the lower end of what routinely applied (polymer) particle-based methods can resolve. Furthermore, the particles are embedded in complex, protein-rich matrices that challenge every step of the analytical chain, from sample preparation to particle identification.
Within a collaborative project between the Inselspital Bern and Eawag, methods will be developed and validated to identify and quantify MNPs potentially released from dialysis tubing/filters. The postdoctoral project therefore focuses primarily on analytical method development at the site of Eawag in Dübendorf, Switzerland.

Your research tasks

• Establishment of a workflow for the detection, identification and quantification of MNPs by spontaneous Raman microspectroscopy, starting with dialysis fluids (dialysate) with and without patient contact as a comparatively simple matrix. Method development includes sample preparation, filtration and particle deposition on suitable substrates, automated particle detection, spectral identification and a rigorous QA/QC concept (e.g., procedural blanks, recovery experiments with reference particles). Where useful, the spontaneous Raman workflow may be benchmarked against complementary techniques such as stimulated Raman scattering or optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, in collaboration with partners at other research institutes (e.g., ScopeM at ETH Zurich).
• Stepwise extension of the analytical pipeline to more complex matrices, in particular blood (e.g., plasma and whole blood) and possibly kidney tissue sections, including the development of suitable digestion or clean-up procedures compatible with subsequent Raman analysis.

Your profile, supervision and workplace

• We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding a 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) is essential, and experience with the analysis of small particles in complex matrices, with sample preparation of biological samples, or with automated microscopy and spectral data processing (e.g., using Python or R) is a strong asset.
• Moreover, demonstrable communication skills in English (and ideally also German) and the willingness and ability to work at the interface between environmental analytical research and clinical medicine are essential.
• The successful candidate will be supervised by PD Dr. med. Fabienne Aregger (Inselspital / University of Bern) and Dr. Ralf Kaegi (Eawag) and will be hosted in the Particle Laboratory at Eawag in Dübendorf. The Particle Laboratory is operated jointly by Eawag, Empa and Agroscope and pools the expertise and instrumentation of the three institutes for the analysis of particulate contaminants in diverse matrices; it provides access to a new, state-of-the-art Raman microscope (available from early 2027) as well as FT-IR microscopes and fully automated optical and scanning electron microscopy systems.

Your Benefits

• Salary follows the regulations of the University of Bern and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• International reputation
• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• Collaborative environment and ambitious team

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

Your application shall include the following: a cover letter describing your motivation for this position and how your previous experience relates to the research topics outlined above; a complete resume including a list of publications; copy of your PhD certificate; and the names and contact information of two to three academic references.

Deadline for applications is 15 December 2026 or until the position is filled.
We offer a stimulating academic environment within a highly interactive and multidisciplinary research setting supporting diversity and equal opportunities. The position provides access to excellent infrastructure, cutting-edge technology platforms, and participation in a strong national scientific network. You will join a collaborative, supportive, and internationally oriented research group.

Questions about the position?

Dr. Ralf Kaegi, Eawag
E-Mail: ralf.kaegi@eawag.ch
or
Prof. Dr. med. H.P. Marti, Inselspital Bern
E-Mail: hans-peter.marti@unibe.ch

Questions about the application?

Dr. Ralf Kaegi, Eawag
E-Mail: ralf.kaegi@eawag.ch