Key Skills

Job Description

This PhD position will advance our knowledge regarding environmental pesticide exposure and cognition in children. The project does two things: It analyses biomonitoring data of pesticide exposure with tests of brain function of the children. It also examines the full Dutch population to understand risks of pesticide exposure to cognitive development and school functioning in children. Childhood cognitive development shapes health and success later in life, understanding how environmental risk factors alter children's brain function, learning and behaviour matters well beyond childhood. Your job Pesticides are applied to crops to protect them from weeds, insects, fungi and other pests that reduce yield. Because they're used widely around the world, people are exposed to them chronically. This has raised concerns about health effects, especially for people who live close to treated fields. In this project, we collect data from children taking part in the national OBO2 study. We use biomonitoring to measure their current pesticide exposure and link it to their brain function, which we assess with a test battery. We also apply geospatial exposure estimates developed within the OBO2 consortium to the school results of all children in the Netherlands. In your PhD project, you'll analyse both data sources to investigate possible health effects of pesticide exposure. Two methodological challenges run through both studies. Children are exposed to many pesticides at once, so you'll use mixture modelling to estimate their combined effects rather than looking at one compound at a time. And because the data follow children and exposures over several years, you'll apply longitudinal methods to study how exposure relates to cognition and school performance over time. We're looking for a candidate with a strong background in epidemiology and quantitative methods, solid programming experience in R. The project is part of a national research program on pesticides and health. For the analyses of child cognition, you’ll be part of a team of researchers, including other (PhD) students and external collaborators involved in the OBO-2 project (https://www.bestrijdingsmiddelen-omwonenden.nl/over-onderzoeken (https://www.bestrijdingsmiddelen-omwonenden.nl/over-onderzoeken)). You'll work within the dynamic One Health Chemical (OHC) group, which is performing interdisciplinary research to uncover environmental health determinants. Your qualities We are looking for a candidate that meets the following criteria: A recently completed or nearly completed Master's degree in epidemiology or a related discipline that prepared you for conducting the research outlined in this project. Experience with quantitative methods (e.g., experiments, surveys) to quantify factors relevant to human health. Solid background in epidemiological study designs and methodological aspects, for example through academic research projects or a master’s thesis. Good knowledge in using R. Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken. Good knowledge of Dutch language. Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment. Our offer A position for initially one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first one year; a gross monthly salary starting at €3204 in the first year and increasing annually up to €4051 in the fourth year, based on 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 (more information about working at Utrecht University can be found here https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university). About Us At IRAS we collaborate internationally to improve the health of humans and their environment. IRAS is a world-leading institute in the research field of exposure assessment in the (work) environment and related health effects. We develop and apply advanced methods to further improve the research in this field. The international character of IRAS is also reflected in its employees who originate from all over the world. A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en), the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile/strategic-themes). Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow (https://youtu.be/yHkvpRYVPiA). More information For more information about this job offer, please contact Dr. Anke Huss ([email protected] (mailto:[email protected])) or Prof. Dr. R. Vermeulen ([email protected]). Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Apply now At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equity-diversity-inclusion) If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Nieuw Gildestein (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/campus/buildings), the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/jobs/contact). We’ll be reading your motivation letter. So please, use your own unique human intelligence, and in your motivation letter, reflect on what you hope to learn or achieve during the PhD, what aspects of the PhD excite you and how they relate to your future research goals, and which skills and knowledge gained during your master’s studies will be most helpful for this research project. Please Also Enclose Your Curriculum vitae. The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references. A copy of your MSc certificate or a letter from your MSc thesis supervisor indicating when you are likely to graduate. Transcripts showing grades obtained on your bachelor and master courses. If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them. The application deadline is 25 Oct 2026.

Core Responsibilities

Analyze biomonitoring data linking children's pesticide exposure to brain function, and assess geospatial exposure estimates alongside school results for children across the Netherlands. Use mixture modelling and longitudinal methods to investigate how pesticide exposure relates to cognition and school performance over time.

Requirements

Applicants should have a recently completed or nearly completed master's degree in epidemiology or a related discipline, a strong grounding in quantitative methods and epidemiological study design, and good knowledge of R. The role also requires strong spoken and written English, good Dutch, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay
• Year-End Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Partially Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Employment Terms