About this role
Chromatography and mass spectrometry with a focus on NTA and data Would you like to solve complex chemical questions using chromatography and mass spectrometry, and get more value from the data you generate? At VITO, we are looking for a researcher with demonstrated experience in organic analysis and non-target analysis (NTA), preferably using both liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC). If you combine experimental expertise with a strong interest in data management, data processing, and artificial intelligence (AI), this opportunity is made for you.
Your team and our research ambition VITO supports companies, governments and society in the transition towards sustainability. Within the Materials & Chemistry (MatCh) unit, you contribute to research on circular feedstocks, sustainable chemistry, materials and more efficient industrial processes. As the Flemish Reference Laboratory for the Environment, VITO translates analytical innovation into reliable measurement methods for water, soil and air. You contribute to the development of methods that can be applied in research, environmental monitoring and regulatory contexts.
You will join the chromatography team within GOAL, our specialised laboratory for organic and inorganic analysis. With more than 150 projects each year, we address diverse questions for industry and government, conduct strategic basic research and undertake reference laboratory activities. Our clients often bring a problem for which you develop the analytical approach together with the team. Tailored solutions, method developments and scientific interpretation are central to our work.
Today our team is expanding its NTA portfolio by integrating AI into its workflow to better characterize known and unknown substances. As such, you will support the development of robust NTA measurement methods and turn analytical data into reusable knowledge for innovation, chemical safety and policy.
- Organic analysis and method developments You develop, optimise and validate methods for small organic molecules, including but not limited to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), xenobiotics, PFAS, and micropollutants.
- You select appropriate sample preparation protocols, separation and detection methods according to the matrix and research question.
- You work with LC and GC coupled to mass spectrometry, including tandem mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).
- You combine targeted analysis, suspect screening and NTA where they add scientific value.
- You take responsibility for the entire analytical workflow, from experimental design and measurement protocols to quality assurance, interpretation and reporting.
- You work in the laboratory, support troubleshooting and guide analysts during implementation.
- You build reproducible NTA workflows for different matrices.
- You pay particular attention to blanks, reference materials, quality controls, structural elucidation and annotation confidence.
- You apply quantification approach of relevant findings using targeted methods when needed.
- Projects collaboration and societal impact You develop project proposals, plan and coordinate research projects.
- You monitor scope, budget, quality and deadlines, and align priorities with researchers and analysts.
- You translate questions from clients and partners into feasible analytical solutions.
- You support applications such as early warning of emerging contaminants, evaluation of treatment and remediation, and characterisation of circular feedstocks, processes and materials.
- You collaborate with our other research teams and connect organic analysis with complementary expertise, such as inorganic analysis and the characterisation of nanoplastics and microplastics.
- You share knowledge and help make methods and digital workflows more widely applicable.
- You contribute to publications, knowledge transfer, client relationships and reference measurement methods.
Within our ISO 17025 accredited environment, you support quality improvement and the responsible application of NTA in monitoring and policy.