PhD in environmental epidemiology: chemical contaminants and reproductive health

Humans are exposed to a wide range of chemicals in daily life through food, indoor and outdoor air, and consumer products used on the body, in the home, and in the workplace. Some of these chemicals—including plastic additives and PFAS—disrupt the normal function of hormones (i.e., endocrine-disrupting chemicals) and can cause reproductive health problems and perturb child development. Growing evidence links several classes of chemicals to accelerated or delayed puberty, disruptions in menstrual cycles, impaired fertility, early menopause, and multiple child and adolescent health outcomes. However, major knowledge gaps remain, including underlying causal mechanisms, sensitive windows of exposure, and factors that increase susceptibility. In addition, only a limited number of chemicals have been investigated from the broad set circulating in the body, with sparse data on chemical mixtures.

Our research group investigates how chemical contaminants impact reproductive and developmental health in human populations. We focus on epidemiological analyses that strengthen causal inference, integrate mechanistic and biomarker-based data, and aim to generate evidence that is relevant for chemical risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

In this PhD project, you will work with Dutch cohort studies to combine chemical exposure measurements with rich data on reproductive, child and adolescent health, as well as potential mediators and effect modifiers. You will also investigate predictors of chemical body burdens and inequalities in chemical exposures.

Your findings will provide actionable evidence to support the development of chemical safety policies, safer consumer products, and safer healthcare systems and advisories from healthcare professionals. They will contribute to the broader research fields of exposome science and planetary health.

Your duties

• Data analysis of existing cohort data using R, including modelling of exposure–health outcome associations, mediation and effect modification analyses, and approaches to assess mixtures of chemicals.
• Engaging relevant stakeholders and collaborators.
• Following a PhD training programme according to the VU Doctoral Regulations (30 ECTS), including courses offered by EpidM and the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute.
• Reporting scientific results at conferences and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and your dissertation.
• Contributing to teaching in the BSc Health and Life Sciences (Gezondheid en Leven) programme (maximum 10% of your time).

You will also have ample opportunities for professional development throughout your PhD trajectory, including access to a wide range of courses and the possibility to attend conferences and symposia. You will be part of the Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute and be part of active PhD communities at A-LIFE and APH which organize activities such as writing retreats.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with:

• An MSc in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• Knowledge of and experience with quantitative research methods.
• Affinity with data analysis.
• Experience with (environmental) epidemiology, exposure science, longitudinal data analysis, or coding in R is considered an asset but is not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

A-LIFE
This PhD position will be hosted in the Environmental Health & Toxicology section of the department of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) in the Faculty of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

A-LIFE aims to advance the fundamental understanding of the interplay between life and its environment through innovative and curiosity-driven science. The department seeks to connect properties and emergent behaviours from micro to global scales, from molecules to ecosystems, including human populations. We aim to inspire students and apply our expertise to shape a sustainable future and support healthy living. A-LIFE comprises a team of around 200 scientists, teachers and support staff.

The Environmental Health & Toxicology (EH&T) section focuses on understanding the impacts of environmental contaminants on human health and the environment, bringing together expertise in toxicology, epidemiology, exposure science, and human health risk assessment. The EH&T section works in close collaboration with the Chemistry for Environment and Health (CE&H) section, including for exposure assessment.

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. We ask for:

• A motivated letter which describes your skills and motivation for this position
• Your curriculum vitae, including a description of your language skills in English
• A transcript of MSc grades
• Names and contact information of two academic referees

Please compile all documents into a single PDF for submission.

Interviews will be held in the second half of April. The intended start date is July or September 2026, depending on availability. A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas), may be part of the selection procedure.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.