Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) are used in ever more products, which in their end-of-life phase are likely to end up in the aquatic environment. The potential for adverse biological effects is thus increasing and the need for risk assessment hence urgent. Current environmental risk assessment is inadequate for NPs, which owing to their small size have unique characteristics such as a relatively large surface area and high reactivity and hence behave differently from dissolved metals and from sub-micron-sized particles. This project will yield 1) a model for NP toxicity respecting the contributions of metal ions and particles to toxicity, 2) an extrapolation methodology for toxicity data of specific aquatic test species to morphologically and physiologically related but as yet untested species using an ecological trait-based approach.
This research fits within the VIDI-research program entitled: “The added risk of size at the nano-bio interface: quantifying uptake, internal localization and partitioning of metal-based nanoparticles in aquatic organisms”. This program is led by Dr. Vijver, in which more junior scientists will work (PhD-students as well as post doc and Master students).
Description
The candidate should have a Master’s degree in biology or a BSc in biology or chemistry with an MSc in environmental chemistry or eco-physiology or equivalent and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work. You should preferably have experience in ecotoxicological research, and affinity for working with invertebrates. You must be proficient in spoken and written English, have good communication skills. Moreover, you can be a team player as well as work independently in the laboratory. You have a strong interest in a scientific career.
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