Summary
The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) is recruiting a predoctoral researcher to conduct thesis research on assessing the environmental and human health risks associated with compostable bioplastic (BP) materials. The project applies an innovative multi-level framework integrating Effect-Directed Analysis (EDA), High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
PhD Position: Environmental & Health Risk Assessment of Compostable Bioplastics, (IDAEA-CSIC) Spain
Designation
- Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (FPI Predoctoral Contract)
Key Information Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) |
| Contract Duration | 4 Years |
| Target Start Date | November 2026 |
| Salary / Funding | Corresponding to official FPI predoctoral salary scale |
| Project Code / Subject | RISK-BIOCOMP |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Research Area
Research Area:
Integrative environmental and human health risk assessment of compostable bioplastics using advanced analytical chemistry and ecotoxicology.
- Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology
- Analytical Chemistry (LC-MS / HRMS)
- Cell Biology & In Vitro Bioassays
- Environmental & Human Health Risk Assessment of Bioplastics
Location
- Barcelona, SpainInstitute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC)C. Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona
Eligibility / Qualifications
- Educational Background: Master’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related field.
- Language Skills: An excellent level of English is an essential requirement.
- Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Background in analytical chemistry (LC-MS/HRMS) and/or in vitro cell-based bioassays / ecotoxicology.
- Experience with data analysis, statistics, R programming, and scientific writing.
- Genuine interest in interdisciplinary research spanning environmental chemistry, cell biology, and toxicology.
- Creativity, autonomy, and a collaborative mindset.
Job Description
The selected candidate will:
- Investigate how complex chemical mixtures associated with compostable bioplastics—including transformation products (TPs) formed during composting and environmental exposure—interact with biological systems.
- Study biological effects across organizational levels, ranging from in vitro human and fish cell models to soil-plant mesocosms.
- Help benchmark the health risks to humans and fish from consuming edible crops exposed to compostable bioplastic materials.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application via email:
- Prepare your CV and a Motivation Letter.
- Email them to Victoria Osorio (victoria.osorio@idaea.csic.es) and Cinta Porte (cinta.porte@idaea.csic.es).
- Use the exact email subject line:
PhD position for RISK-BIOCOMP
Last Date to Apply
- September 30, 2026
