Consultant – Marine Microplastics Analysis using Pyrolysis-GC-MS

Main Purpose

One of the programmatic activities of the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories involves the development of analytical techniques to address marine plastic pollution in the context of the IAEA’s flagship NUTEC Plastics initiative and the IAEA’s Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) project on Marine Plastics.
The consultant will provide technical input to the Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory (MESL), working closely with the Radioecology Laboratory (REL), in developing analytical methods for characterizing and quantifying microplastics and nanoplastics using isotopic techniques with Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) equipment. These tools will help Member States enhance monitoring and conduct comprehensive risk assessments of these emerging contaminants in the environment. Additionally, the consultant will develop harmonized methods for extracting microplastics from various marine matrices and write up results as scientific manuscript(s) for peer reviewed publication.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Develop, optimize, and validate instrumental methods for identifying and quantifying microplastics and nanoplastics, and including organic additives, using Py-GC-MS equipment.
• Develop, optimize, and validate sample preparation techniques for marine environmental samples (extraction, cleanup, homogenization, etc.) before analyzing the mass of each polymer type using Py-GC-MS.
• Apply the validated protocols to marine environmental samples (seawater, sediments, and seafood) using Py-GC-MS to characterize and quantify microplastics/nanoplastics by mass.
• Participate and provide technical assistance in training fellows and other trainees on sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples for micro and nanoplastic pollution, as well as the harmonization of methods.
• Produce Standard Operating Procedure(s) and/or one internal report of the newly developed and validated analytical methodology(ies)
• Provide technical expertise to writing up the results of experimental studies for dissemination into at least one scientific peer reviewed publication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Environmental Analytical Techniques

• Contaminants in Environmental Samples
• Mass Spectrometry
• Environmental sampling an asset

• Technical Writing an asset

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree (Master’s) in chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related scientific field
• Minimum five years relevant professional experience:

• in Py-GC-MS for monitoring microplastics in environmental samples.
• in analytical chemistry and sample preparation for organic contaminants and microplastics analysis.
• in mass spectrometry, including target screening of organic contaminants and microplastics in environmental matrices using instrument-specific software.
• in sampling techniques for microplastics in environmental matrices

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 200, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.