Efficient environmental safety evaluation of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) requires a growing need of predictive models. Development of properly validated models for predicting ENM toxicity constitutes a great opportunity to optimize ENM evaluation, to reduce ethical considerations related to toxicity testing, and to design novel ENMs that are safer-by-design. As partners within the EU-funded project NanoInformaTIX, we want to contribute by developing dose-response models. QSAR-type models will be developed for in vitro and in vivo endpoints, based on a full characterisation of ENMs using both existing descriptors and the 2nd generation descriptors, more specific omics data accounting for mechanistic modelling. Ultimately for in vitro models the challenge is to extrapolate across human models or to ecological species using appropriate allometric scaling. Physiologically based pharmaco-kinetics (PBPK) models will be applied as the basis for describing in vivo exposure-dose-response relationships. Within this project we are able to hire one postdoctoral fellow for 20 months.

Key responsibilities

• Modeling dose-response models of emerging nanomaterials;
• Justify read across species theories and model similarity based on ENM properties as well as effect endpoints;
• Linking human to ecological toxicity mechanisms;
• Collaborate and represent Leiden University with the modellers of the NanoInformaTIX consortium that consists of European experts of various countries.

• You should have a PhD in a relevant field, and ideally have proven already to be productive in terms of scientific output. Relevant backgrounds include PhD’s in ecotoxicology, risk analysis, theoretical biology, sustainability science, or data science;
• Extensive modelling skills;
• You must be proficient in spoken and written English, and have good communication skills. Previous teaching experience will also be valued;
• Moreover, you work well in a team, and are able to support the coaching and guidance of PhD students.

We offer a 20 month term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The salary range is from €2,707 - €4,274 gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

Leiden University

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core business of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Conservation Biology (CML-CB). Presently, over 90 FTE (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University (Rotterdam) in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS) and Centre for Metropoles and Mainports (LDE-CMM).