PhD Candidate Expact - Lexces project

Are you interested in exploring the ethics of cutting-edge medical innovation? Join us in shaping the future of exposomics. Exposomics is a novel research program that studies all environmental exposures and internal biological responses to exposures throughout the lives of individuals. The exposome is the integrated compilation of all physical, chemical, biological, and (psycho) social influences that impact a person. The field of exposomics studies the comprehensive and cumulative effects of these factors by integrating data from interdisciplinary methodologies and data streams to drive discovery.

Exposomics thereby has the ability to improve our understanding of the health of all individuals. In particular, exposomics research is now being applied for the benefit of workers and citizens. These applications of exposomics come paired with several ethical questions:

• What are the ethical aspects of an individualized dossier (blootstellingsdossier) for the exposures of laborers who work with hazardous materials?
• When and how is the data gathered by exposomics objective, and how does this affect the action-perspectives and responsibilities of stakeholders?
• How do users of exposomics view the value of measurement technology, and how do they attribute responsibilities?
• What ethical guidance can be provided to laborers and citizens who use exposomics technology?

As a PhD candidate, you will explore these ethical questions through both empirical and theoretical research. Your work will help ensure that exposomics is not only scientifically innovative, but also empowered by empirical ethics research and practical-ethical guidance

You will be part of a Dutch research consortium that brings together scientists, policy makers, and experts from many disciplines. You will collaborate with an organization that engages in stakeholder engagement and co-creation to formulate governance recommendations for future usage of exposomics technology. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most innovative areas of environmental epidemiology.

You will write a PhD thesis (based on scientific publications) and follow courses at the Graduate School of Life Sciences and/or Philosophy; you will also teach Bioethics and Medical Humanities courses at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

You have a master degree in (bio)ethics, philosophy, health sciences, medical sociology, medical anthropology or science and technology studies. While a background in (bio)medical sciences is not required, you are eager to delve into the world of biomedical innovation. You are excited about working on the crossroads of ethics and environmental epidemiology. You are able to conduct academic ethics research. Experience with qualitative research methods such as interviewing, conducting focus groups, and (ethnographic) observation is highly valued. You have fluent oral and writing skills in English and Dutch.

Please include in your application: a motivation letter in which you explain your interest in the position, Curriculum Vitae and when applicable, an overview of past and current research and teaching activities. The deadline for submission is January 23rd 2026. Interviews will take place on February 5th. Starting date: April 1st, 2026. The appointment will be for a total of 48 months.

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.108,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Our interdisciplinary department Bioethics & Health Humanities is comprised of several professors, associate and assistant professors and PhD students working on a variety of topics in the intersecting fields of bioethics, innovation of biotechnology, history of medicine, narrative medicine, health law and patient and public involvement. As an embedded member of our department, you will also be involved with shared activities pertaining to teaching, research and professional training. For this position specifically, we will closely collaborate with the Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences of Utrecht University.

Contact our colleague:
Karin Jongsma/Caspar Safarlou
06-14 05 42 46
c.w.safarlou@umcutrecht.nl