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PhD student: Neurotoxicity of herbal supplements

Applications Close: Sep 13, 2026

Utrecht University

Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands

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PhD student: Neurotoxicity of herbal supplements

Many people use food supplements, but are they safe? Join our team and find out!

Deadline: 13 Sep ’26
Published: 20 Aug ’26
Research fields: Neurosciences; Pharmacological sciences
Job types: PhD
Education level: University graduate
Weekly hours: 36—40 hours per week
Salary indication: €3204—€4051 per month
Location: Yalelaan 104-106, 3584CM, Utrecht

Job description

Your position will be in the Toxicology division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), where you will be working on your PhD research in a team of motivated scientists and fellow PhD students who are all focused on unravelling the potential toxicity of chemical exposures in our daily lives using innovative in vitro toxicity testing approaches.

Your job

At the Toxicology Division 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. We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative PhD student to achieve these goals and strengthen our Toxicology Division, which is made up of four research groups: Endocrine-, Immune- and Neuro-toxicology and Exposure Assessment. This project will be performed within the Neurotoxicology Research Group, which investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of potentially toxic substances on the nervous system.

You will work on the PhD project “Towards a tiered risk assessment strategy to evaluate the safety of herbal supplements”, which is commissioned by The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). This project is part of a collaborative effort with Maastricht University to investigate and evaluate the potential toxicity of herbal supplements using a range of in vitro approaches.

While many people use herbal supplements, the safety of such supplements is often poorly evaluated. However, it is well-documented that some herbal extracts can have adverse health effects. For example, the use of aristolochia extract is associated with kidney damage, kava extract with liver toxicity, and ephedra extract with cardiovascular insults. These examples highlight the need for a robust and structured strategy to better evaluate the safety of herbal supplements to reduce human health risk. Within this collaborative project you will investigate the potential neurotoxicity of diverse herbal extracts using in vitro screening assays, such as microelectrode array recordings and (cellular) imaging. In addition, you will investigate if herbal extracts can affect the function and integrity of the protective blood-brain-barrier. Given the similarity in excitability with cardiomyocytes, you will also assess the cardiotoxic potential of herbal extracts. Other potential adverse health effects (including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and genotoxicity) will be investigated in a collaborative PhD-project at Maastricht University.

In addition to your research, you will:

present your findings at national and international conferences;
publish your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which will form the foundation of your PhD thesis;
supervise MSc students during their internships;
participate in relevant training courses that are relevant for your research.

Requirements

You hold a Master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related field, with a strong interest in cellular and/or neurotoxicology.
You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, essential for the international nature of this project.
You are capable of working independently while also being a valuable team player.
Especially candidates with experience in (neuronal) cell culture are encouraged to apply.

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 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.204 and €4.051 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.

Additional information

For more information, please contact Dr Remco Westerink at r.westerink@uu.nl. Please do not send your application to this address. Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.