Postdoc in Environmental Chemistry / Gut Microbiolgy

UniBE is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join its environmental chemistry group, focusing on how the human gut microbiota may transform arsenobetaine from fish and seafood into more toxic arsenic forms. The project aims to generate data that will inform European food safety authorities about potential hidden risks associated with arsenobetaine‑rich diets. The appointed scientist will set up and validate liquid‑chromatography based speciation methods, extract arsenic compounds from fecal samples, and design robust in‑vitro experiments using human fecal microbiota collected from ongoing cohort studies. Daily work includes culturing these microbiota, screening for arsenobetaine conversion under realistic exposure conditions, troubleshooting HPLC‑ICP‑MS equipment, and documenting findings through reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations. Candidates must hold a PhD in environmental or analytical chemistry or a closely related discipline and have demonstrable experience with hyphenated analytical techniques. Independent operation of HPLC‑ICP‑MS for trace‑element speciation in non‑water matrices is essential, and prior work on arsenic speciation is highly valued. Strong English writing and speaking abilities, a record of scientific publications and talks, and a collaborative, meticulous, and self‑directed work style are required, as is willingness to operate within an interdisciplinary team overseen by several supervisors. Additional expertise that would strengthen an application includes statistical analysis and data visualisation, method development or troubleshooting for HPLC‑ICP‑MS, and experience with microbiological incubations.