PhD Candidate in Exposomics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Do you want to develop predictive models that integrate omics and environmental data, advancing the field of precision prevention? Join the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as a PhD candidate in Exposomics, Machine Learning and AI!

Your job
In this PhD project, you will design and apply innovative computational approaches, such as graphical models, penalised structural models, and large language models (LLMs), to investigate associations between disease outcomes and complex, high-dimensional, time-varying exposure data. You will integrate rich exposome datasets with multiple omics layers (including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics) to uncover how environmental factors shape human health at the molecular level.

You will collaborate closely with leading experts in epidemiology, omics, and environmental health within the Gravitation program Exposome-NL, a national research consortium that brings together more than fifty scientists from diverse disciplines and institutions across the Netherlands.

You are an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with:

• a Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, (Computational) Epidemiology, Bioinformatics or a related field;
• demonstrated expertise in programming and quantitative data analysis in R/Python;
• a strong interest in high dimensional omics and exposome research;
• excellent collaboration, reporting and presentation skills;
• proficiency in written and spoken English.

Candidates with the following skills are especially encouraged to apply:

• experience with machine learning or AI pipelines;
• familiarity with high-performance computing environments.

• 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 line, 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 Data Science & Exposome 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. Chris Thio at c.h.l.thio@uu.nl or dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor at n.i.vilortejedor@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.