Fixed-term
Researcher Crop Production and Varieties – Open Field Crops
Your job As a researcher in crop production and varieties in open-field farming, do you find it important to take the cultivation of both conventional and new crops to the next level? Would you like to contribute to crop and variety improvement in Dutch arable farming and roughage production? And would you like to use your knowledge and experience as a project leader and project executor? Are you an enthusiastic and flexible researcher with a sharp eye for detail, who values high-quality work and has a sense of entrepreneurship? Then we are looking for you! What will you do? At the Business Unit Open Field Crops in Lelystad, we are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who can contribute to the field of crop and variety research for arable and fodder crops. You will carry out research on optimizing the cultivation of a wide range of existing and new crops. This includes Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) research for determining variety lists (for example maize and cereals). In addition, you will conduct research on cropping systems and robust varieties in the context of new farming systems (such as Farm of the Future) and climate change. You will often work within large public-private partnerships, collaborating with various stakeholders on today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Within the team, you actively contribute to acquiring new projects and take initiative in consultation with involved partners. You enjoy translating new knowledge into practical applications and sharing this knowledge with practitioners. Your role As a subject-matter expert in crop research, you will have several responsibilities: carrying out projects in terms of content (setting up research, conducting it, and reporting), together with colleagues; leading projects, in cooperation with a project management support officer; acquiring new projects. On average, you will spend most of your time on the research content, while carrying out all three tasks. Depending on your interests and skills, the balance in time spent on these tasks may vary slightly. Your qualities As a researcher, you are the content expert and connecting person in the field of crop research in open-field farming. For this position, we expect that you recognise yourself in many of the following aspects: a completed academic degree in Crop Science (Horticulture & Arable Farming or Plant Sciences); proven affinity with the sector and crop production (arable crops, including fodder crops); the ability to maintain an overview of complex processes, working accurately with attention to detail; willingness to visit field trials across the Netherlands and monitor the progress of your research; a team player who can also work well independently, and who enjoys collaborating with partners inside and outside the organisation; ability to present research results in an attractive and clear way to clients, growers, and other stakeholders; a market- and customer-oriented attitude, with a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset; possession of a valid category B driving licence; good command of the Dutch language (minimum level C2) and English (minimum level B2). About the Crop Research Team The Crop Research team consists of eight people who are jointly, directly or indirectly, responsible for Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) research on various crops (maize, cereals, grass, chicory, fodder beet) and for other projects. These projects range from subsidised projects to Top Sector and public-private partnerships (such as PPS Brewing Barley, PPS Baking Wheat, PPS Roughage), as well as business-to-business projects. Part of the team is based in Vredepeel, where a trial location is also located. For this position, we are looking for someone based at our Lelystad location. Why work at Crop Research: working on projects that are directly applicable in practice; collaborating with passionate colleagues and entrepreneurs who strive for quality; freedom and responsibility to develop new initiatives; a place where agriculture and innovation come together; working in the most important sector: food production; contributing to knowledge in one of the most advanced agri-sectors in the world. Example projects: https://www.maisexpert.nl/rassenonderzoek-mais/ https://uireka.nl/ https://www.wur.nl/nl/nieuws/uniek-onderzoek-van-start-om-toekomstig-biertje-duurzamer-en-lekkerder-te-maken https://www.crkls.nl/project-update/onderzoek-naar-eiwitten-in-graan-biedt-perspectief-voor-nederlands-baktarwe/ https://www.limburg.nl/onderwerpen/land-en-tuinbouw/propositie-heuvelland/ https://farmofthefuture.nl/zuidoostelijk-zand/ Ready to help shape the agriculture of the future? Apply via Wageningen University & Research and work with us towards a fossil-free and circular agriculture. WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientationyear” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledgemigrant” We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.399,- and €6.228,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10 -11). Secondment or a part-time appointment can be discussed. Initially, we offer you a one-year contract, followed by an extension of up to 24 months. After this extension, and subject to mutual enthusiasm and a sufficiently filled project portfolio, a permanent contract will be offered. Of course, we are happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions. Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes. You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. Coming from abroad Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Because we expect you to work
Research Support Specialist Cell & Organoid Culture
Your job We have an open position for a Research Support Specialist – Cell & Organoid Culture in the Host-Microbe Interactomics Group (HMI), part of the Animal Sciences Group (ASG). The group uses advanced cell and organoid models as a main experimental platform. These models are used to study host–microbe interactions, epithelial barrier function, and immune responses that are important for intestinal and mucosal health. Your job As an experienced Research Technician, you will play a key role in supporting and advancing research within the Host-Microbe Interactomics (HMI) Group at Wageningen University & Research. Your work will focus primarily on advanced mammalian cell culture and intestinal organoid models, which form a central experimental platform within the group. The group uses advanced cell and organoid models as a main experimental platform. These models are used to study host–microbe interactions, epithelial barrier function, and immune responses that are important for intestinal and mucosal health. You will work independently to maintain and optimise our cell and organoid cultures. You will also join discussions about experiments and help with different research projects together with PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists. In addition, you will help maintain the lab, ensure high quality and safety, and train new group members in the necessary techniques and ML-2 lab procedures. This position is intended as a long-term role, contributing to the stability and quality of key experimental platforms within the group. Your responsibilities Work independently on mammalian cell culture and 3D organoid experiments, including stem cell–derived models and monolayers. Help with ongoing research projects by using, troubleshooting, and documenting experimental techniques. Guide PhD, MSc, and postdoctoral researchers with hands-on technical support. Support the organization, safety, and smooth running of the lab together with the laboratory manager. Assist with preparing materials for BSc lab practical courses (about 25 days per year). Your qualities Essential experience Proven hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including stem cells and/or 3D tissue organoids Experience working independently with complex in vitro culture systems, including maintenance, differentiation, and quality control Experience that is an advantage Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy Flow cytometery Molecular techniques such as qPCR and ELISA You also bring A completed BSc or MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life-science discipline Relevant laboratory experience, preferably in an academic or biomedical research environment A structured and accurate working style, with strong attention to quality, reproducibility, and laboratory safety Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team This position involves working under ML-2 laboratory conditions. Candidates must either already be ML-2 certified or be willing and able to obtain ML-2 certification shortly after appointment. Working environment You will work primarily within the Host-Microbe Interactomics Group (HMI), part of the Animal Sciences Group (ASG), located in the Zodiac Building on the Wageningen campus. Some shared research facilities, such as confocal microscopy and cell sorting, are located in other laboratories on campus. The HMI group uses advanced cell and organoid models to study host–microbe interactions, epithelial barrier function, and immune responses relevant to intestinal and mucosal health. Language requirements English is the primary working language in our international research environment. For this position we require: English proficiency at B2 level or higher (spoken and written) Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage, but not required at appointment We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Highlights include: Partially paid parental leave Flexible working hours to support work–life balance Access to campus sports facilities at a reduced rate A fixed year-end bonus of 8.3% An excellent pension scheme Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3.382,- and €5.057,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 8 or 9). You will initially receive a one-year contract, with the intention to extend and move towards a permanent position upon good performance and within organizational possibilities. Coming from abroad Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job. Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands. Do you want more info? For more information about this position, please contact: Prof. Jerry Wells via email: jerry.wells@wur.nl Ready to apply? Applications must be submitted via the Wageningen University & Research website. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered. You can apply up to and including March 1th 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the closing date. The intended start date ASAP Welcome, safe, and valued Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
Senior Benthic Ecologist
Your job As a Senior Benthic Ecologist at Wageningen Marine Research, you will apply your expertise to research into the effects of human activities such as fisheries, sand extraction or climate change on marine benthic fauna, the restoration of shellfish habitats and/or the sustainable production of shellfish. You add value through your ability to analyse large datasets and/or through experimental field and laboratory research. You have an affinity with applied research and with working in complex policy and stakeholder environments. You initiate new research, including securing funding, and lead projects. Your responsibilities as a benthic researcher include: leading and carrying out large and complex research projects; acting as a figurehead in the field of benthic ecology towards (potential) clients and the media; acquiring new research commissions within the field; preparing project proposals and quotations, conducting measurements, collecting data, analysing research results and reporting findings; presenting research outcomes to industry, sector organisations, civil society organisations, government bodies and fellow scientists; maintaining and expanding our national and international network. Your team From the Yerseke location, you will work with various project teams in different compositions. As a project leader, you provide both substantive and project-based direction to field staff and researchers, enabling them to carry out their work efficiently and to a high standard. Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) is a leading marine ecological research institute employing approximately 190 people. Within WMR, work is carried out on field research, theoretical research, experimental research, data management and modelling. The institute has modern research facilities and is ISO 9001 certified. In addition, the chemical and benthos laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited. WMR is part of Wageningen University & Research. Your qualities You value substantive collaboration, both with colleagues within WUR and with researchers and partners outside the organisation; you embrace inter- and transdisciplinary research. You thrive on translating policy or societal challenges into research questions and carrying out the resulting research. With excellent communication skills, you are able to write high-quality reports and deliver engaging presentations. You also have: a relevant university degree (a PhD in marine ecology); at least 10 years’ experience as a researcher in at least one of the above-mentioned research areas relevant to this position; proficiency in the Dutch language. In our international working environment, English is increasingly used for communication. For this position, a B2 level of English is required. If you do not yet have this level, we will of course support you, and you can make use of our language centre, Wageningen in’to Language. We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €4741,-. and €7068,-. for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 12). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 to 36 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one- year contract that can be extended, if possible within (company) organizational circumstances, on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this. Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes. Coming from abroad Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job. Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands. Do you want more info? For more information about the position, please contact Jeroen Wijsman, via email: Jeroen.wijsman@wur.nl. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: dax.teunissen@wur.nl. Ready to apply? Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered. You can apply up to and including 2 March 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Monday 9 February 2026. Procedure As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure Welcome, safe, and valued Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
PhD Position: Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
We are recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects. Your first project will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell type specificity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases. This peripheral neuropathy is characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons. You will have the opportunity to integrate different techniques and analyze data sets to understand which unique properties of motor and sensory neurons make them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. You will use viral gene transfer, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, proteomics approaches, as well as immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and confocal imaging. Furthermore, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis. In addition, you will be involved in other ongoing projects in the lab. For one of them, we are developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko et al, Science, 2021; Mora et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2025). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a new project studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration. You will closely collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching (10%), and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students. Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. We are recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects. Your first project will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell type specificity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases. This peripheral neuropathy is characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons. You will have the opportunity to integrate different techniques and analyze data sets to understand which unique properties of motor and sensory neurons make them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. You will use viral gene transfer, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, proteomics approaches, as well as immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and confocal imaging. Furthermore, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis. In addition, you will be involved in other ongoing projects in the lab. For one of them, we are developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko et al, Science, 2021; Mora et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2025). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a new project studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration. You will closely collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching (10%), and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students. Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. We are recruiting a PhD candidate to work on various mouse genetics projects. Your first project will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell type specificity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease caused by mutations in tRNA synthetases. This peripheral neuropathy is characterized by selective degeneration of peripheral motor and sensory neurons. You will have the opportunity to integrate different techniques and analyze data sets to understand which unique properties of motor and sensory neurons make them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. You will use viral gene transfer, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, proteomics approaches, as well as immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and confocal imaging. Furthermore, you will use state-of-the-art in vivo noncanonical amino acid tagging (NCAT) to evaluate protein synthesis. In addition, you will be involved in other ongoing projects in the lab. For one of them, we are developing innovative therapeutic approaches for CMT, following up on our published work (e.g. Zuko et al, Science, 2021; Mora et al, Nucleic Acids Research, 2025). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to a new project studying the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in axonal degeneration. You will closely collaborate with a senior postdoctoral researcher who will provide practical/experimental guidance. You will get some exposure to teaching (10%), and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with and supervise Bachelor and Master’s students. Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. Is this the job for you? You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Erik Storkebaum. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application. The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 10 March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 June 2026 or later upon mutual agreement. We can imagine you’re curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. Apply Now
PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse
Job description A 4-year position is available for a PhD candidate in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the underlying structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, we take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly: we will reconstitute minimal, well-controlled synaptic contacts and subject them to detailed structural characterization using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy methods. Specific objectives are: Setting up cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for reconstituted synapses Visualize nanoscale architecture of reconstituted synapses High-resolution structure determination of synaptic CAM pairs Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons The successful applicant will be the driver of the project and aim for detailed structural characterization of synapse assembly with a bottom-up approach. State-of-the-art equipment, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture facilities are available in our department. We are an international team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions. Job requirements We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher that is willing to take on new challenges. The candidate has a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or related field. The ideal applicant has experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a strong plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team. TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. Challenge. Change. Impact! Faculty Applied Sciences With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 – €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. Additional information If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Principal Investigator, via D.H.M.Meijer@tudelft.nl. Application procedure Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than16 March 2026via the application button and upload the following documents: Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded) Detailed CV Reference checks are part of the selection process after the initial application stage You can address your application to Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Principal Investigator. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate
PhD in environmental epidemiology: chemical contaminants and reproductive health
Your function Humans are exposed to a wide range of chemicals in daily life through food, indoor and outdoor air, and consumer products used on the body, in the home, and in the workplace. Some of these chemicals—including plastic additives and PFAS—disrupt the normal function of hormones (i.e., endocrine-disrupting chemicals) and can cause reproductive health problems and perturb child development. Growing evidence links several classes of chemicals to accelerated or delayed puberty, disruptions in menstrual cycles, impaired fertility, early menopause, and multiple child and adolescent health outcomes. However, major knowledge gaps remain, including underlying causal mechanisms, sensitive windows of exposure, and factors that increase susceptibility. In addition, only a limited number of chemicals have been investigated from the broad set circulating in the body, with sparse data on chemical mixtures. Our research group investigates how chemical contaminants impact reproductive and developmental health in human populations. We focus on epidemiological analyses that strengthen causal inference, integrate mechanistic and biomarker-based data, and aim to generate evidence that is relevant for chemical risk assessment and regulatory decision-making. In this PhD project, you will work with Dutch cohort studies to combine chemical exposure measurements with rich data on reproductive, child and adolescent health, as well as potential mediators and effect modifiers. You will also investigate predictors of chemical body burdens and inequalities in chemical exposures. Your findings will provide actionable evidence to support the development of chemical safety policies, safer consumer products, and safer healthcare systems and advisories from healthcare professionals. They will contribute to the broader research fields of exposome science and planetary health. Your duties Data analysis of existing cohort data using R, including modelling of exposure–health outcome associations, mediation and effect modification analyses, and approaches to assess mixtures of chemicals. Engaging relevant stakeholders and collaborators. Following a PhD training programme according to the VU Doctoral Regulations (30 ECTS), including courses offered by EpidM and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute. Reporting scientific results at conferences and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and your dissertation. Contributing to teaching in the BSc Health and Life Sciences (Gezondheid en Leven) programme (maximum 10% of your time). You will also have ample opportunities for professional development throughout your PhD trajectory, including access to a wide range of courses and the possibility to attend conferences and symposia. You will be part of the Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute and be part of active PhD communities at A-LIFE and APH which organize activities such as writing retreats. Your profile We are looking for a motivated candidate with: An MSc in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health, or a related field. Knowledge of and experience with quantitative research methods. Affinity with data analysis. Experience with (environmental) epidemiology, exposure science, longitudinal data analysis, or coding in R is considered an asset but is not required. Strong oral and written communication skills in English. Ability to work independently and proactively. As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples: A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses solid pension scheme (ABP) a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge Interested Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. We ask for: A motivated letter which describes your skills and motivation for this position Your curriculum vitae, including a description of your language skills in English A transcript of MSc grades Names and contact information of two academic referees Please compile all documents into a single PDF for submission. Interviews will be held in the second half of April. The intended start date is July or September 2026, depending on availability. A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas), may be part of the selection procedure. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Apply Now

