Researcher in Health Sciences

Utrecht University

Netherlands

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Department of Population Health Sciences
Hours per week: 32–40
Application deadline: 31 October 2025

About the Role

At the Toxicology division, we aim to improve the scientific basis of chemical risk assessment through fundamental and applied innovative research, teaching, and training in mechanistic and predictive toxicology and exposure assessment.

Join us as a Technician! You will work on various projects focused on exposure assessment, both in (in vitro) toxicity assays and environmental studies.

Your Job

Within the Toxicology division, you will be part of the Exposure Assessment group, performing chemical-analytical determinations of various organic chemicals in different media. Techniques and targets include:

Techniques: LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV/FLD, GC-MS, GC-FID
Target chemicals: PFAS, pharmaceuticals, organohalogen compounds (e.g., pesticides, PCBs), industrial chemicals, oil
Media: Exposure media, cells/organisms from toxicity assays, sediment, soil, water, air, and organisms from environmental or laboratory experiments

You will contribute to scientific projects funded nationally and internationally, aiming to investigate human or environmental exposure to harmful chemicals. Projects may be fundamental (focused on toxicity of specific chemicals) or applied (e.g., remediation of soils, water, or sediment).

Additional responsibilities include:

Supporting Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
Participating in consultancy activities for external partners
Performing general laboratory duties such as ordering materials and instrument maintenance

Your Qualities

Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)/HLO degree (or equivalent) in analytical chemistry with a strong interest in environmental chemistry and/or toxicology/life sciences
Good verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Experience with chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS)
Ability to maintain own equipment and solve practical problems
Drive to improve methodologies and affinity with method development is a plus

Our Offer

Employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of permanent employment
Working week of 32–40 hours
Gross monthly salary: €3,382–€4,484 (full-time, salary scale 8 under 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 employee benefits: professional development, leave options, sports and cultural activities, and customized employment conditions

For more information, see Working at Utrecht University.

About Us

Utrecht University: A better future for everyone. Our scientists pursue leading research and inspiring teaching, collaborating intensively across disciplines on strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: We train veterinarians and researchers, provide care for animals, and conduct leading, societally relevant research. Our work integrates the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the environment. We have 1,500 students and 950 staff.