Summary
Utrecht University is offering a PhD position to advance knowledge on environmental pesticide exposure and its effects on cognition in children. This project will analyze biomonitoring data of pesticide exposure in relation to children’s brain function, and examine the full Dutch population to understand the risks of pesticide exposure to cognitive development and school functioning. Understanding how environmental risk factors alter children’s brain function, learning, and behavior is crucial for their long-term health and success.
Designation
PhD Candidate
Research Area
- Environmental Pesticide Exposure
- Childhood Cognition and Cognitive Development
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health Determinants
Location
Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Population Health Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
- A recently completed or nearly completed Master’s degree in epidemiology or a related discipline relevant to the project’s research.
- Experience with quantitative methods (e.g., experiments, surveys) for quantifying human health factors.
- Solid background in epidemiological study designs and methodological aspects, demonstrated through academic research projects or a Master’s thesis.
- Good knowledge and experience in using R for programming.
- 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.
Job Description
Pesticides are widely used globally, leading to chronic human exposure and concerns about health effects, particularly for those living near treated fields. This PhD project will utilize data from the national OBO2 study, collecting biomonitoring data to measure current pesticide exposure in children and link it to their brain function, assessed via a test battery. Additionally, geospatial exposure estimates developed within the OBO2 consortium will be applied to the school results of all children in the Netherlands. As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Analyze both data sources to investigate potential health effects of pesticide exposure.
- Apply mixture modeling to estimate combined effects of multiple pesticides, rather than individual compounds.
- Utilize longitudinal methods to study how exposure relates to cognition and school performance over time, given that data follows children and exposures over several years.
- Work within a team of researchers, including other PhD students and external collaborators involved in the OBO-2 project.
- Be part of the dynamic One Health Chemical (OHC) group, conducting interdisciplinary research on environmental health determinants.
The position is for an initial period of one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon positive assessment. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3204 in the first year to €4051 in the fourth year (full-time employment, salary scale P under CAO NU), including 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online via the provided application link. The application must include:
- A motivation letter reflecting on:
- What you hope to learn or achieve during the PhD.
- Which aspects of the PhD excite you and how they relate to your future research goals.
- 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 your expected graduation date.
- Transcripts showing grades obtained in your Bachelor’s and Master’s courses.
Utrecht University values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Last Date for Apply
25 October 2026
