PhD position: Development of a human-relevant approach for carcinogenicity asses

Innovative technologies and new knowledge create possibilities to assess safety of chemicals with other methods than by animal experimentation. Are you interested to contribute to a new, innovative approach to carcinogenicity assessment? Then this PhD position might be perfect for you!

At RIVM, you will contribute to the development of innovative methods for assessing carcinogenicity that are more relevant to humans. You will work in a multidisciplinary team of experts, focusing on the integration of in vitro, in silico, and mechanistic data to improve risk assessment processes. Your research will help shape future regulatory guidelines and contribute to public health protection.

In this position you will be appointed at the Department of Innovative Testing Strategies of the Centre for Health Protection at the RIVM. In this department, twenty colleagues (scientists, technicians and PhD candidates) work on human-relevant test methods and strategies to assess adverse health effects of chemical substances and materials. We are active in scientific committees that assess the applicability of these new test methods and approaches for regulatory purposes. We advise policymakers on topics like the transition to animal-free innovations and next-generation risk assessment. This project is a collaboration with Leiden University, where you will also defend your thesis at the end of the project. There, you will be affiliated with the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, and specifically work in the research group of Prof. Dr. Bob van de Water. Your workplace will be at the RIVM as well as Leiden University. The exact distribution over time depends on various factors and will be a joint decision.

We offer a collaborative and stimulating environment where you can develop your scientific skills and make a real impact. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and guidance from experienced researchers.

More about the research project

The current standard method for assessing the carcinogenic potential of chemicals is the cancer bioassay in mice, which has several ethical and scientific limitations. It is time-consuming and many animals are needed. More importantly, the assay has a limited ability to predict human carcinogenicity. The goal of the project is to develop a new human-relevant, innovative approach for assessment of carcinogenic potential of chemicals. The focus of the project will be on carcinogenesis induced by non-genotoxic mechanisms. As a PhD candidate you will develop innovative test method(s) that can measure perturbations of mechanisms relevant to humans. The lab work will involve cell-based systems, including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells. Other assays, for example whole organism systems such as zebrafish embryos, may be involved as well. In parallel, you will develop networks of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) that capture important mechanistic key events that lead to non-genotoxic carcinogenicity. This will form the mechanistic basis for a testing strategy that combines existing and newly developed test methods. Ultimately, this testing strategy should be able to predict if a chemical is a non-genotoxic carcinogen. You will demonstrate the applicability of the testing strategy through case studies, using data from this project and data from other sources. You will publish and present your findings in scientific journals, conferences and to the public, and conclude with a dissertation.

• Conduct research on alternative methods for carcinogenicity assessment
• Collaborate with national and international partners
• Publish findings in scientific journals and present at conferences
• Contribute to the development of new regulatory approaches

Unique for this position

In this PhD project you can work on a topic of societal relevance using cutting-edge scientific approaches. You are supervised by an interdisciplinary team, with expertise in toxicology, induced pluripotent stem cells, bioinformatics, and chemical risk assessment. With your PhD project, you will bridge these disciplines, bringing together different sources of knowledge that will lead to new scientific insights. You will get the chance to perform your research in two renowned organisations in the field of health and safety. You will benefit from their lab infrastructures and interdisciplinary knowledge. In this project you will work within the European funded PARC project (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals), with a focus on the development of an innovative approach to carcinogenicity assessment of chemicals. This will provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with other excellent (inter)national academic and regulatory partners within PARC and build your own network.

Requirements and competences for the position

• A MSc or Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, (systems) biology, toxicology, or a related field, with an interest in toxicology
• Experience with cell culture experiments; experience with experimental toxicological research is considered a plus
• Highly motivated to understand biological processes and translate those into computational models
• Proficiency in R and affinity with computational modelling
• Affinity with open-data and FAIR principles is considered a plus
• Ability to familiarize yourself with diverse sources of toxicological and biological data and critically evaluate these
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others in a multidisciplinary field, having a proactive attitude and good communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English at a level appropriate to scientific research. Verbal communication in Dutch is appreciated
• Certain vaccinations are required to be allowed to work in the laboratory
• Strong interest in human health risk assessment and innovative research methods
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

What we offer

• A challenging PhD position in a leading public health institute
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Supportive supervision and a dynamic research environment
• During the PhD trajectory, your salary is determined according to the Dutch government’s job classification system (Functiegebouw Rijk, FGR) as follows: In the first year €3,246.16 gross per month (scale 8, step 0); in the second year scale 8, step 5; in the third year scale 8, step 7; and in the fourth year scale 8, step 8.
• Individueel Keuzebudget (IKB): 16.5% of your gross annual salary, which you can use for additional leave, payout, or other benefits
• Personal growth and career development opportunities
• Various study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, and partially paid parental leave

About RIVM

As the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), we are an expert, reliable, and independent advisor for government, professionals, and citizens. Our goal: a healthy population and a sustainable, safe, and healthy living environment. We monitor health, diseases, the quality of the living environment, and the environment itself. We conduct research and gather knowledge for accessible information and practical advice. RIVM ensures good birth screening, combats infectious diseases, and plays a central role in the national vaccination program and population screenings. We investigate what is needed for good care, a healthy lifestyle, safe products, and a safe and healthy living environment. We also contribute to the prevention, control, and management of incidents and crises.

While we are preparing to move to a beautiful new building at Utrecht Science Park, we currently work at our main office in Bilthoven with about 3,000 colleagues on all our advice, reports, factsheets, and publications. We are guided by the questions of today and tomorrow, working at the heart of society. We are proud of our organization where everyone is welcome. As a government knowledge institute, we aim to reflect society. With these different backgrounds, perspectives, and insights, we work together for even better results!