Researcher in environmental economics

PFAS, microplastics or biocides are all examples of substances that are widely discussed in society and on which regulatory policies are under development. Are you eager to contribute to a safer living environment by assessing the effects of regulatory measures on the use of chemical substances? In this job you will carry out economic and socio-economic analyses that provide insight into the societal consequences of these measures. You will work in a national and international network with multidisciplinary teams and maintain contact with experts from science, policy, and stakeholder organizations. Sounds like your dream job? Continue reading!

Our research into chemical substances
At RIVM we assess the risks of chemical substances and integrate environmental research into economic and socio-economic analyses to assess and balance societal effects of the use or restriction of substances. For example, we look at the benefits and costs for businesses and society of banning hazardous substances such as PFAS, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants or microplastics. In this way, we advise public authorities at the national and the European level on the efficiency or cost-effectiveness of measures to prevent or limit human and environmental exposure to chemicals.

Purpose of your job
As a researcher in environmental economics, you will investigate societal impacts of measures for the safety of harmful chemical substances and offer options for acting. You will conduct research and advise policy- or decision-makers on how to best manage the risks of these chemicals.

Your tasks include:

• Carrying out human or environmental impact assessments, for instance as part of REACH restriction dossiers or scientific projects, using for example cost-benefit analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, break-even analysis, analysis of ecosystem services or other quantitative economic methods;
• You translate your findings into useful advice for our public clients, for example in the form of advice on possible frameworks for acting;
• Contribute to writing innovative project proposals where the balancing of costs and benefits of risk management measures is required on both national as European level;
• Participating in meetings of national and international bodies and help colleagues with the preparation for those meetings;
• Be a sparring partner for your colleagues and work, together with your colleagues, on methodological improvements of environmental economics’ methods and socio-economic analysis topics at RIVM.

You are working together with relevant stakeholders at national and at European level, including departments of international organizations such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and other implementing organizations. Of course you also seek to connect with other departments of the RIVM.

Unique to this position
In this position, you will have the opportunity to become an expert in the field of environmental economics of chemicals management. You will work in an interdisciplinary team of colleagues who are passionate about creating a pollution-free environment. Your work can be organised flexibly with plenty of room for your own expertise and you have many development opportunities. From September 2025 onwards the RIVM will be located at the Science Park Utrecht. Good to know: to ensure a healthy work-life balance we encourage hybrid working.

More information
If you have any questions, feel free to consult with department head Alexander Diaz (06-3113 4406) or with coordinator Silke Gabbert (06-2523 8072).

The department
Our department of Industrial Chemicals and Environmental Economics consists of 18 enthusiastic colleagues who work on strategies for a safer use of chemical substances. We are part of the center for Safety of Substances and Products within RIVM that is broadly committed to safeguarding the development and use of chemical substances and biotechnology, including products and advanced (nano-)materials

Your skill set
Our department puts strong emphasis on teamwork. We are therefore looking for someone who is a collaborative colleague and capable of both providing and receiving constructive feedback. We operate within a dynamic domain, so you should enjoy being involved in various activities and projects while effectively organizing your workload. You are solution-oriented and comfortable with handling conflicting interests, as such situations are likely to arise in a public-sector role. This also requires strong analytical skills; you form your judgments based on scientific information, evidence-based arguments, and thoughtful considerations.

In addition, we require:

• A completed master’s degree or PhD in environmental economics or a comparable field within economics or social sciences;
• At least two years of demonstrable work experience in the field of quantitative human health or environmental impact assessment or socio-economic analysis;
• Experience in writing innovative project proposals;
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, with knowledge of European and national chemical substance policies considered an advantage;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English are required for (scientific) publications and (poly-)advice towards our internal and external stakeholders. Should Dutch not be your primary language, you are willing to complete language proficiency courses.

At RIVM, we have one of the best collective labour agreements in the Netherlands, namely that of the central government. Besides a good salary, we have attractive terms of employment such as an Individual Choice Budget of 16.5% of your gross annual salary which you control. You can have part of it paid out every month or buy or sell extra days off. In addition, we offer tax benefits to pay off your study debt, for example. We are also a carer-friendly organisation. Want to know more?

Read more under the heading “other terms of employment”.

Terms of employment

• Salary level: scale 11
• Monthly salary: Min €4,024 - Max €6,110 (gross)
• Employment contract: Fixed-term employment contract
• Contract duration: 12 months
• Minimum number of hours per week: 32
• Maximum number of hours per week: 36

Other terms of employment
In addition to the salary, you will receive an Individual Elective Budget (IKB). The IKB consists of money (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB you make the choices that suit you and you can compile part of your terms of employment yourself. For example, you can choose to have part of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa or spend it on tax-friendly purposes. The central government attaches great importance to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of your public transport commuting costs and partially paid parental leave.

Details
We are currently offering this position for one year. The position is related to a research project that will run for at least 12 months. This is likely to continue. The RIVM is therefore keen to get in touch with candidates who would like to commit to the RIVM for a longer period of time. At the moment, however, the RIVM cannot guarantee this. Naturally, you will be informed in good time about the (im)possibility of extending your contract of employment.
We are currently offering this position for one year. The position is related to a research project that will run for at least 12 months. There is a chance that this will continue. The RIVM would therefore like to get in touch with candidates who want to commit to the RIVM for a longer period of time. However, the RIVM cannot currently provide any guarantees for this. You will of course be informed in good time about the (im)possibility of extending your employment contract.

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Information about applying for a job at the RIVM:

• When you are hired, we always ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
• If you are applying as a 'from-work-to-work candidate' or as a 're-employment candidate', please enclose a copy of your designation letter;
• If you are currently working for the central government through a temporary employment agency, please mention this in your letter;
• The RIVM is committed to employing staff who fall under the target group of the Jobs Agreement Act. Want to know more? Click here;
• At the RIVM, you are welcome as you are. We are convinced that diversity in a team makes cooperation and outcomes stronger. In addition, employee involvement in co-determination is appreciated;
• We follow the Recruiter Code and handle your personal data with care;
• To get a full picture of applicants' business backgrounds, we sometimes consult LinkedIn;
• This vacancy will go offline after the closing date, so don't forget to download and save the text. It may be that after this date this vacancy is still (unintentionally) findable on various job boards. The closing date on werkenvoornederland.nl is leading.

Applying for a job?
RIVM invites you to apply by 6 May 2025 on their site via the application button. RIVM values a diverse and inclusive organisation. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative and the work more fun. Everyone is therefore invited to apply.