PhD Position in Public Health

VU University of Amsterdam

Location: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE)

Intended Start Date: July or September 2026

Project Overview

Humans are exposed to a wide range of chemicals daily—through food, indoor/outdoor air, and consumer products. Some chemicals, including plastic additives and PFAS, disrupt hormone function (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) and can cause reproductive health problems and perturb child development. Evidence links certain chemicals to accelerated or delayed puberty, menstrual cycle disruptions, impaired fertility, early menopause, and multiple child/adolescent health outcomes. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding causal mechanisms, sensitive windows of exposure, susceptibility factors, and chemical mixtures.

This PhD project investigates how chemical contaminants impact reproductive and developmental health in human populations, focusing on epidemiological analyses that strengthen causal inference, integrate mechanistic and biomarker-based data, and generate evidence relevant for chemical risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

You will work with Dutch cohort studies, combining chemical exposure measurements with rich data on reproductive, child, and adolescent health, including mediators and effect modifiers. You will also investigate predictors of chemical body burdens and inequalities in exposure.

Your findings will contribute to chemical safety policies, safer consumer products, and healthcare advisories, while advancing exposome science and planetary health.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Data analysis of existing cohort data using R, including modeling exposure–health outcome associations, mediation and effect modification analyses, and mixture assessments.
• Engaging relevant stakeholders and collaborators.
• Following a PhD training programme according to VU Doctoral Regulations (30 ECTS), including courses from EpidM and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute.
• Reporting scientific results at conferences, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and completing your dissertation.
• Contributing to teaching in the BSc Health and Life Sciences (maximum 10% of time).

Opportunities for professional development include access to courses, conferences, and participation in active PhD communities (A-LIFE and APH), which organize activities such as writing retreats.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• MSc in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience with quantitative research methods.
• Affinity with data analysis.
• Experience in (environmental) epidemiology, exposure science, longitudinal data analysis, or coding in R is an asset but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

VU Amsterdam is committed to diversity and inclusivity. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all criteria.

Employment Details

• Salary: €3,059 (PhD) – €3,881 gross per month (4th year), full-time.
• Contract: Initially 1 year, extendable up to 4 years based on progress. Employment ends with the dissertation submission at the end of the 4th year.

Fringe Benefits:

• 38-hour workweek, 232 hours annual leave (pro rata for part-time)
• 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Commuting expense contributions
• Solid pension scheme (ABP)
• Access to sports facilities at modest charge

Host Institutions

A-LIFE, Environmental Health & Toxicology (EH&T) Section

Focuses on environmental contaminants' impacts on human health and the environment, combining toxicology, epidemiology, exposure science, and risk assessment. Collaborates with Chemistry for Environment and Health (CE&H) section.

Faculty of Science

Home to 10 departments, >8,000 students, >1,400 staff. Offers interdisciplinary research and education, emphasizing societal challenges, sustainability, and healthy living.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

A values-driven university promoting open-mindedness, sustainability, internationalisation, and diversity. Located on a central campus in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district.

Application Process

Required Documents (single PDF):

1. Motivated letter outlining skills and motivation
2. Curriculum vitae, including English language skills
3. Transcript of MSc grades
4. Names and contact information of two academic referees

Deadline: Not specified; interviews in the second half of April.

Applications must be submitted via the official online application process. E-mail applications will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Contact for Questions:

Dr. Eva Sugeng & Dr. Virissa Lenters, Assistant Professors

Email: [Contact via VU Amsterdam official channels]

Apply