PhD Candidate in Health Sciences

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Department of Population Health Sciences
Hours per week: 36–40
Application deadline: 5 January 2026

Job Summary

Do you want to develop predictive models that integrate omics and environmental data, advancing the field of precision prevention? Join the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as a PhD candidate in Exposomics, Machine Learning, and AI.

Your Job

In this PhD project, you will:

• Design and apply innovative computational approaches, including graphical models, penalised structural models, and large language models (LLMs).

• Investigate associations between disease outcomes and complex, high-dimensional, time-varying exposure data.

• Integrate rich exposome datasets with multiple omics layers (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics) to uncover how environmental factors shape human health at the molecular level.

• Collaborate with leading experts in epidemiology, omics, and environmental health within the Gravitation program Exposome-NL, a national research consortium with over fifty scientists from diverse disciplines and institutions across the Netherlands.

Your Qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with:

• A Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, (Computational) Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, or a related field

• Expertise in programming and quantitative data analysis (R/Python)

• Strong interest in high-dimensional omics and exposome research

• Excellent collaboration, reporting, and presentation skills

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Preferred skills:

• Experience with machine learning or AI pipelines

• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments

Our Offer

• Initial position for one year, extendable to four years upon a positive evaluation during the first year

• Working week of 38 hours

• Gross monthly salary: €3,059–€3,881 (salary scale P, Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU))

• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus

• Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms under CAO NU

• Additional Utrecht University benefits for professional development, leave, sports, cultural activities, and customizable employment conditions

About Us

Utrecht University is committed to creating a better future through leading research and inspiring teaching. Our strategic themes include Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine trains future veterinarians and researchers, conducts leading research, and provides care for animals. It emphasizes the interconnected health and welfare of animals, humans, and the environment.

You will be based at IRAS, within the One Health Chemical research line, led by Professor Roel Vermeulen. The Data Science & Exposome Group is part of a multidisciplinary team spanning Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Planetary Health, Exposure Science, and more.

IRAS Mission:

• Advance education and cutting-edge research on human and environmental health risks from exposure to harmful agents

• Transform scientific knowledge into actionable tools, insights, and solutions promoting sustainable well-being for individuals, communities, and ecosystems

More Information

Contact:

• Dr. Chris Thio: c.h.l.thio@uu.nl

• Dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor: n.i.vilortejedor@uu.nl

Recruitment: Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Application

Required documents:

• Motivation letter

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees

Application deadline: 5 January 2026

Utrecht University values diversity and inclusion, welcoming staff with different cultural, religious, or ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and ages. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Applications should be submitted via the ‘apply now’ button on the Utrecht University job portal.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com