Your PhD research will be embedded in the pan-European research project EXPANSE, which focuses on the urban exposome, the complex interplay between the built, social, physico-chemical, food, and lifestyle aspects of the urban environment. EXPANSE will address one of the most pertinent questions for urban planners, policy makers, and European citizens: 'How to maximize one’s health in a modern urban environment'. Assessment of the internal exposome plays an important role in this project. By analyzing 10,000 samples with ultra high resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS), we will capture both the exogenous (chemicals, inorganic compounds) and endogenous (metabolites) parts of the Internal Exposome. In large cohort studies we will link these profiles to the External Exposome, existing OMICs data, and cardiometabolic and pulmonary health outcome data to acquire insights into which features of the internal exposome drive the risk of developing these diseases.
You will work with the data generated within EXPANSE and will apply state-of-the-art methods for etiological research and risk prediction models. A special emphasis will be given to the application of bio-statistical and informatics tools to the newly generated UHR-MS data.

We are looking for a curious and ambitious PhD candidate. To excel in your role, you have: 

• a MSc in (computational) epidemiology, (medical) statistics, or a related discipline;
• affinity with environmental health, UHR-MS, and/or OMICs data is valued;
• a strong interest in Exposome research;
• strong programming skills;
• experience in epidemiological data analysis;
• excellent collaboration and communication skills (written and spoken);
• a strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary international research team.

Candidates with the following skills are especially encouraged to apply:

• experience in epidemiological/statistical analyses with R;
• experience in working with high-dimensional OMICs data.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of four years. The gross salary ranges between €2,395 in the first year and €3,061 in the fourth year (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where Veterinarians are trained, but is is also where Researchers are working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 Veterinarians, Scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

IRAS is an inter-facultary research institute within the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. Our mission is to provide education and research on the human and environmental health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment where research takes places within the domains of Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health.