08 October 2019 | Leiden (The Netherlands)

The Institute of Environmental Sciences of Leiden University is looking for a Postdoctoral fellow, Modeller environmental fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials.

DEADLINE: 27th October 2019

Project description
Efficient environmental safety evaluation of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) requires a growing need of predictive models. Development of properly validated models for predicting ENM toxicity constitutes a great opportunity to optimize ENM evaluation, to reduce ethical considerations related to toxicity testing, and to design novel ENMs that are safer-by-design. As partners within the EU-funded project NanoInformaTIX, we want to contribute by developing dose-response models. QSAR-type models will be developed for in vitro and in vivo endpoints, based on a full characterisation of ENMs using both existing descriptors and the 2nd generation descriptors, more specific omics data accounting for mechanistic modelling. Ultimately for in vitro models the challenge is to extrapolate across human models or to ecological species using appropriate allometric scaling. Physiologically based pharmaco-kinetics (PBPK) models will be applied as the basis for describing in vivo exposure–dose-response relationships. Within this project we are able to hire one postdoctoral fellow for 20 months.

Key responsibilities

  • Modeling dose-response models of emerging nanomaterials;
  • Justify read across species theories and model similarity based on ENM properties as well as effect endpoints;
  • Linking human to ecological toxicity mechanisms;
  • Collaborate and represent Leiden University with the modellers of the NanoInformaTIX consortium that consists of European experts of various countries.

Selection criteria

  • You should have a PhD in a relevant field, and ideally have proven already to be productive in terms of scientific output. Relevant backgrounds include PhD’s in ecotoxicology, risk analysis, theoretical biology, sustainability science, or data science;
  • Extensive modelling skills;
  • You must be proficient in spoken and written English, and have good communication skills. Previous teaching experience will also be valued;
  • Moreover, you work well in a team, and are able to support the coaching and guidance of PhD students.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to Prof.dr. Martina Vijver and Prof.dr. Willie Peijnenburg.

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to [email protected]. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number 19-455:

  • CV
  • A motivation letter
  • The names and phone numbers of two referees

Only applications no later than 27 October will be considered.

Interviews will take place on November 1 between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. You are kindly requested to be available on this date.

MORE INFO:
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/vacancies/2019/q4/19-455-postdoc-fellow-enm-for-cml