PhD Candidate in Integrative Exposome and Multi-Omics for Brain–Body Health

Are you interested in developing and applying integrative methodologies that combine exposome, multi-omics, and brain–body health data to advance our understanding of human health? Join us as a PhD candidate in Exposome–Omics Integration for Brain–Body Health at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).

Your job
In this PhD project, you will study how environmental exposures influence brain–body health, focusing on omics layers as key predictors or modifiers of environmental effects on molecular and brain-related endophenotypes across the brain–body axis. The project will extend ongoing research by considering population diversity and heterogeneity in exposure profiles and biological responses.

You will apply statistical modelling approaches suited to high-dimensional and non-parametric data, accounting for non-Gaussian distributions, complex dependency structures, and variability across populations. The work will involve the integration of exposome, multi-omics, and brain–body-derived data from diverse population-based cohorts to characterise the biological mechanisms linking environmental exposures to brain and body outcomes.

The PhD candidate will be based in the Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science Group, led by Dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor, and will collaborate with researchers in epidemiology, neuroscience, data science, and molecular biology within the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), as well as external partners within the UNITED consortium and other international programmes.

You are a motivated and collaborative researcher with:

• a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, or a related field;
• experience in programming and quantitative data analysis using R and/or Python;
• experience with statistical modelling and the analysis of complex biological data;
• a strong interest in exposomics, multi-omics integration, and brain–body health research;
• strong scientific writing, reporting, and presentation skills;
• proficiency in written and spoken English.

Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply:

• experience in the analysis of brain-related data (e.g., neuroimaging, cognitive, or other brain-derived measures);
• experience with integrative or multivariate analyses of high-dimensional biological data;
• familiarity with omics data processing or analysis pipelines;
• experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects.

• A position for one year, extended to four years upon a positive evaluation during the first year;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (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.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

You will be based at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), working within the One Health Chemical research program, led by Professor Roel Vermeulen. This multidisciplinary research line brings together several interconnected groups, including Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Planetary Health, Exposure Science, and the Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science Group, the latter of which is where this position will be located.

Our mission is to advance education and cutting-edge research to unravel the complex interactions between environmental factors—including chemical, social, physical-chemical, and lifestyle risk factors—and their effects on human and planetary health. By integrating multiple disciplines, we aim to transform scientific knowledge into actionable tools, insights, and solutions that promote sustainable well-being for individuals, communities, and ecosystems.

IRAS is an interfaculty research institute spanning the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. It is dedicated to education and research on the human and environmental health risks associated with exposure to potentially harmful agents. Our research is structured around three core domains: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology, and Veterinary Public Health.

For more information, please contact dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor at n.i.vilortejedor@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.