Summary
Utrecht University is offering a PhD position focused on understanding the health effects of environmental pesticide exposure, particularly on children’s cognitive development. This project involves analyzing biomonitoring data of pesticide exposure alongside brain function tests in children, and examining data from the full Dutch population to assess risks of pesticide exposure to cognitive development and school functioning. The research aims to advance knowledge on how environmental factors impact children’s brain function, learning, and behavior, with long-term implications for health and success.
Designation
PhD Position
Scholarship Details
This PhD project is part of a national research program on pesticides and health. The successful candidate will analyze data from the OBO2 study, linking biomonitoring results of pesticide exposure with brain function assessments in children. Additionally, geospatial exposure estimates will be applied to school results of children across the Netherlands. The project will address methodological challenges such as mixture modeling for combined pesticide effects and longitudinal methods to study the relationship between exposure and cognition over time. The PhD candidate will be part of a research team within the dynamic One Health Chemical (OHC) group, collaborating with other researchers and external partners.
Research Area
- Environmental Pesticide Exposure
- Children’s Cognitive Development
- Epidemiology
- Biomonitoring
- Public Health
- Environmental Health Determinants
Location
Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Your Qualities
- A recently completed or nearly completed Master’s degree in epidemiology or a related discipline relevant to the research.
- Experience with quantitative methods (e.g., experiments, surveys) for quantifying factors related to human health.
- Solid background in epidemiological study designs and methodological aspects, demonstrated through academic research projects or a Master’s thesis.
- Proficiency in using R for data analysis.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
- Good knowledge of the Dutch language.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
How to Apply
Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application package demonstrating their qualifications and motivation for this PhD position. Please ensure your application includes the following:
- A motivation letter reflecting on what you hope to learn or achieve during the PhD, what aspects of the PhD excite you and how they relate to your future research goals, and which skills and knowledge gained during your Master’s studies will be most helpful for this research project.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references.
- A copy of your MSc certificate or a letter from your MSc thesis supervisor indicating when you are likely to graduate.
- Transcripts showing grades obtained on your Bachelor’s and Master’s courses.
Utrecht University values diversity and inclusion. For questions about accessibility, please contact the HR contact page.
Last Date for Apply
25 October 2026
Apply Link
Our Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | Initially one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first year. |
| Salary | Gross monthly salary starting at €3204 in the first year, increasing annually up to €4051 in the fourth year (based on full-time employment, salary scale P under CAO NU). |
| Holiday Pay | 8% |
| Year-End Bonus | 8.3% |
| Additional Benefits | Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). |
