Postdoctoral Researcher: Environmental Risk Assessment - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

1. Introduction

Chemicals are essential for human well-being. However, the production and use of chemicals can harm the environment. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will focus your research on the development, support and implementation of novel methods to assess the environmental risks of chemicals, with a special focus on pharmaceuticals and microplastics. In addition, you will contribute to educational activities and the management of research projects in the domain of environmental risk assessment.

2. Job description

The Human and Ecological Risk Assessment (HERA) group of the Department of Environmental Science is actively involved in the development of new methodologies to assess the environmental risks of chemicals. We have a strong focus on computer models that simulate the emission, fate and effects of chemicals in the environment. We aim to develop models that are fit for purpose, i.e. models that can be used by environmental managers to avoid and mitigate environmental risks of chemicals. As a group, we participate in several large-scale European research projects in which such models are being developed and applied in practice, for example PREMIER (pharmaceuticals), LABPLAS (microplastics) and TransPharm (pharmaceuticals).

As a postdoctoral researcher you will work on methodological innovations addressing specific challenges in the environmental risk assessment of chemicals, such as:

• Predicting the environmental biodegradability of chemicals (e.g. in wastewater treatment plants), based on molecular descriptors and/or environmental parameters.
• Predicting the environmental toxicity of chemicals based on read-across from empirical toxicity data of chemicals with a similar structure or mode of action.
• Describing the fate of microplastics in rivers.
• Developing secondary poisoning models for ionising substances.
• Developing and applying emission estimation techniques for chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides and microplastics).
• Dealing with spatial differences in risk assessment.

You will carry out the above-mentioned tasks in close collaboration with the senior researcher and the postdocs and PhD candidates in the team. Within the context of the above-mentioned research projects, you will be expected to collaborate with international project partners. As a member of the HERA team, you will contribute to several courses and other educational activities. You will be expected to assist the senior researcher in managing some of the above-mentioned research projects.

3. Profile

• You should hold a PhD in the Environmental Sciences or a related field, such as Chemistry or Toxicology, preferably with extensive experience in environmental risk assessment.
• You should have analytical modelling skills, intrinsic motivation and good communication skills.
• You have a good command of oral and written English.
• Experience with environmental modelling, data analysis and academic education is a plus. 

4. We are

The main focus of the Environmental Science cluster at the Faculty of Science is on quantifying, understanding and predicting human impacts on the environment. Our research covers multiple pressures, species and spatial scales, searching for overarching principles that can ultimately be applied to better underpin environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. You can apply no later than 31 May. Address your letter of application to Ad Ragas. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on 12 June. You will preferably start your employment on 15 July 2024.

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