We are looking for

an enthusiast PhD-candidate for the project 'Quantification and modelling of accumulation kinetics of nanomaterials in soil organisms under environmentally relevant conditions (QuMoNano). The project is designed to quantify the accumulation kinetics of nanomaterials in soil organisms and the role of the properties of the nanomaterials, organisms and environment on these kinetics. The final outcome of the project are toxicokinetic models and parameters, predicting the accumulation of different forms of nanomaterials in soil organisms. The project is part of a large scale EU-funded project (H2020), Nanomaterial FAte and Speciation in the Environment (NanoFASE), and the candidate is expected to cooperate with different European partners within the consortium.

NanoFASE
NanoFASE will deliver an integrated Exposure Assessment Framework, including methods, parameter values, models and guidance for regulatory registrations of nano-based products. Methods to assess how use phases, waste streams and environmental compartments (air, soil, water and biota) act as 'reactors' in modifying and transporting ENMs will be developed and used to identify parameter values of major influence. Nanospecific models will be integrated with existing multi-media fate models (SimpleBox4Nano) and also developed into a flexible multi-media model for risk assessment at different spatio-temporal scales and complexities.
 

We ask

The candidate
- has Master degree or an equivalent degree in Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Chemistry or an associated field in Life Sciences.
- is an enthusiastic and motivated researcher with a strong interest and preferably experience in Nano-ecotoxicology
- has a strong interest and preferably experience in analytical procedures, including quantification of nanomaterials in biological matrices
- experience with exposure studies with soil organisms is a preference, as well as experience with modelling of uptake and excretion kinetics in organisms
- has good organizational, writing and presentation skills and should be able to work well both independently and in a team environment.
- is expected to finalise a PhD, combined with a training and supervision trajectory, preferably leading to a registration as a European Registered Toxicologist.
- participates in the organisation of practical courses within the curriculum of the sub-department of Toxicology and are expected to supervise MSc-thesis students within your project.
- You have an excellent command of the English language, both orally and in writing
 

We offer

We offer you a full-time (38 hours) temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2115,- ,- in the first year rising up to € 2704,- per month in the fourth year. The candidate will be based at the sub-department of Toxicology in Wageningen. During the course of the PhD study, the student will participate in the educational program of the Graduate School for Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment (SENSE).

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.
 

More information

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Nico van den Brink, telephone number +31-317-485796.
For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Wilma Jansen, Hr advisor,  telephone number +31 317-484923.

Interested?
You can apply online at http://www.wageningenur.nl/career until 10 June 2015.

We are

The sub-department of Toxicology carries out molecular-driven research, in food- and environmental toxicology. On the basis of mechanistic understanding, relevant toxicological processes are translated into risk analyses for human health and ecological processes. The sub-department of Toxicology actively contributes to globally relevant topics, such as: evaluation of the safety of new and existing food ingredients, biocides, nanotoxicology, contaminants in the food chain; Polar ecotoxicology; environmental toxicology; wildlife toxicology; the role of epigenetics in modes of toxic action; alternatives to animal testing; endocrine disruption; the development of biomarker techniques and bioassays for tracing contaminant effects; the mode of action-based bioassays for marine biotoxins; and alternative in vitro and in silico methods for toxicological risk assessment.
The sub-department is a leading, multidisciplinary, research group in food and environmental toxicology, which collaborates with many national and international partners and comprises a dynamic team of PhD students and staff.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen UR where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important international player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on 'Healthy food in a biobased society'. We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Wageningen University and Research centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at http://www.wageningenur.nl/career