Plastic pollution in the environment is a global issue that warrants in-depth investigation of potential health hazards towards humans, which can come from plastic particles themselves or associated chemicals. Are you passionate to work on the potential toxicity of microplastics? Do you want to develop non-animal test methods to guide chemical safety assessment into the twenty-first century? Are you motivated to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists embedded in an ambitions European research consortium? We have a PhD position that combines studies using advanced in vitro models and analytical detection methods at the chair group of Toxicology of Wageningen University. Are you the PhD student we are looking for?

What are you going to do?
We are looking for an enthusiastic toxicologist, biologist or biomedical scientist with an affinity for tissue culture, molecular biology, human physiology, and analytical chemistry. You will study the toxic effects of microplastics and chemical leachates that are present in the environment and to which humans are exposed. You will combine reporter gene assays, genotoxicity assays and advanced stem cell-based in vitro models. Since understanding the effective dose in these models is a key aspect to guarantee human relevance of the outcome, you will use LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS methods to detect and quantify chemicals in your in vitro models, as well as potentially formed metabolites. You will implement your excellent cell culturing skills and exploit molecular assays (e.g., routine cell biology and biochemical measurements, ELISA and confocal microscopy) to unravel the underlying mechanisms of microplastic and chemical leachate toxicity. The position is embedded in the chair group of Toxicology of Wageningen University, where excellent tissue culture and analytical facilities are available. As part of this chair group, you will also be involved in training MSc and BSc students. You will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. ir. Hans Bouwmeester, Dr. Nynke Kramer and Dr. Mathias Busch.

About the project:
This project is part of the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) project funded by the European Union to paving the way for the “zero pollution” ambition announced in the European Green Deal.

You have:

• a MSc degree (or equivalent) in life sciences or related field;
• the ability to work independently in the lab and you enjoy working in a team;
• a strong desire and ability to quickly master new (laboratory) techniques to effectively tackle complex, multidisciplinary scientific queries;
• experience in simple and advanced in vitro models and analyzing large and complex datasets (for instance by using R);
• worked with confocal microscopy, advanced molecular biology techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, omics) and preferably also with analytical chemistry methods.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.872,- per month rising to € 3.670,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

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.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,700 employees (7,000 fte), 2,500 PhD and EngD candidates, 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about this position, please contact Hans Bouwmeester, by email: hans.bouwmeester@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips Recruiter, by email: rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including Monday the 3rd of February 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews shortly after the closing date.

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

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.