We are looking for a passionate PhD candidate to develop New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to assess neuro- and sexual development and study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) therein. Within the project, you will work with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study the impact of EDCs on germline stem cells and unravel the effects which are transmitted across generations. In addition, you will use zebrafish embryos to pioneer cross-species prediction of EDC-mediated effects, bridging gaps in our understanding of the adverse health impacts of EDCs. The data will also be used to develop Adverse Outcome Pathways.
This project is part of the European research project MERLON, which aims to better predict human reproductive health effects caused by exposure to EDCs. This PhD position is a collaboration between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Institute for Life and Environment (VUA–A-LIFE) and the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Health Protection, Department of Innovative Testing Strategies.
The PhD student will be employed at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam within the section of Environmental Health & Toxicology of the A-LIFE department and be enrolled in VUA’s doctoral program. After initially being located at the VUA, you will perform some experiments at the RIVM, which from 2025 will be located at the Utrecht Science Park. You will present your results at national and international conferences, and publish in relevant scientific journals. Your promotion will be at VUA, with (co)promotors from VUA and RIVM.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Samantha Hughes s.hughes@vu.nl and you can apply before 2 September 2024 here