The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is looking for a PhD student in the field of exposure science. The research will focus on assessing exposure of humans from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields using a citizen science approach.

With the introduction of 5G, exposure profiles in the environment, of humans and the interaction of the fields with bodies changes rapidly. Therefore, new tools are necessary to assess exposure to these kind of fields in a valid way, so that informative health assessments can be performed. This project builds upon our previous research on the health effects of non-ionizing radiation and is embedded in the EU Horizon-funded project “ETAIN”. In ETAIN we will, together with several European partners, develop an app capable to assess exposure of areas and persons, and actual received dose of users. The PhD position is centered around validation of the exposure assessment and uptake and dissemination of the method in larger groups.

The position will be embedded within the One Health Chemical (OHC) group of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences at Utrecht University. The OHC group is a large dynamic interdisciplinary research focusing on the environmental determinants of health. We believe in team science and are thus looking for a stellar teamplayer.

Candidates with a master degree in environmental or life sciences, epidemiology or health statistics, or a closely-related field and with an interest in interdisciplinary work are encouraged to apply.
Candidates with good communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work both independently and within collaborative, multidisciplinary teams are preferred, as are organizational and time management skills. Some affinity to data analysis is certainly a plus.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,541 and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. After a positive evaluation, the agreement will be extended for another three years. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is an inter-faculty research institute within the Faculties Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine of Utrecht University. Its 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 place within the domains of Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health.