"PhD candidate: Environmental technology/chemistry/toxicology"

Job Description

At the Toxicology division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) we aim to improve the scientific basis of chemical risk assessment through fundamental and applied innovative research, teaching, and training in mechanistic and predictive toxicology and exposure assessment. We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative PhD candidate to strengthen our division, which is made up of four research groups: Endocrine-, Immuno- and Neuro-toxicology and Exposure Assessment.

Your Job

The PhD project you will be working on will be performed within the Exposure Assessment group, where research is focused on quantifying, understanding and minimising chemical exposure in the environment and in laboratory settings. The project is part of a national research project (TRIPLE-A; “ontwikkeling en Toepassing van een Reactor voor de analyse, verwijderIng en afbraak van PFAS in afvaL- En drinkwAter”). In this project, IRAS collaborates with several Dutch companies to increase our knowledge on the detection, removal and degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and to develop an integrated, sustainable solution for detecting, removing and destructing the chemicals in waste- and drinking water. PFAS are man-made chemicals which are persistent, mobile and toxic and which pose a threat to public health, as they are present in consumer products and our food and drinking water. Because of the existing risks, there is an urgent need for technologies to remove PFAS from the environment and to subsequently destroy them. Your contribution to the project will focus mostly on the destruction of different PFAS in waste- and drinking water. This will involve investigating different destruction approaches, testing their efficacy by way of chemical analyses and toxicity screenings, and developing reactors for scaling up the developed technique(s). You will present your findings at national and international meetings and conferences and publish them as papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These papers will form the basis of your PhD thesis. You will supervise MSc students during their internships and may follow training courses relevant for your research.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science (MSc) degree in the field of environmental technology or environmental chemistry, who is interested in interdisciplinary applied research. Affinity or experience with analytical chemistry (LC-MS) and/or in vitro toxicology/life sciences is a plus, as is experience with designing, building or working with reactors. You have good practical skills (you are handy) and verbal and written communication skills in English and preferably also in Dutch (considering the national character of the project). Moreover, you are able to work both independently and in a team.

Conditions of Employment

A position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period; a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Employer

Universiteit Utrecht. A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place. Your position will be in the Toxicology division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). IRAS is an interfaculty research institute within the faculties Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. Our mission is to provide education and research on the human and environmental health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment, where research takes places within the domains Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health.