Postdoctoral fellow, (0.8-1.0 fte) on big challenges for small nanomaterials

 

The Faculty of Science and Institute of Environmental Sciences are looking for:

1 Postdoctoral fellow, (0.8-1.0 fte)  On big challenges for small nanomaterials

Vacancy number: 22-635

New nanomaterials are frequently used to improve products: to make them more scratch resistant or lighter, faster or stronger, for instance. They are generally more effective than other materials. But are they safe? As nanoparticles are different and work differently, the risk estimates for adverse effects need to be investigated using fully revised fundamental principles. Within this ERC-funded ECOWIZARD project, we are able to hire a postdoctoral researcher for approx. 25 months. Development of accurate knowledge on the differences in acute versus chronic effects induced by nanomaterials is urgently needed for risk assessment of these novel materials. Moreover fate and interactions at the interface of the exposure to organisms is needed; also considering the mechanisms related to eco-corona formation. This process can be experimentally determined, and could be a starting point to bridge the human/mammalian toxicology cell tests to the results obtained for ecotoxicology models. We urge also to work towards developing general testing strategies that underpin Adverse Outcome Pathways. We challenge you to come to new creative ideas allowing to write a pioneering and high impact paper that help the nanosafety field forwards.

Key tasks

• Collecting data on acute versus chronic effects induced by (advanced) nanomaterials and developing generic translation factors.
• Modeling dose-response models of emerging nanomaterials.
• Adding more knowledge to the mechanistic pathways of nanomaterials in their exposure to organisms and AOP model.
• Linking human to ecological toxicity mechanisms.
• Collaborate within the Leiden University ecotox group and beyond.

Selection criteria

• You should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and ideally have proven already to be productive in terms of scientific output. Relevant backgrounds include Ph.Ds. in ecotoxicology, hazard or risk analysis, ecophysiology.
• Extensive quantitative or statistical skills.
• You must be proficient in spoken and written English, and have good communication skills. Previous teaching experience will also be valued.
• Moreover, you work well in a team, and are able to support the coaching and guidance of Ph.D. students.

Research at our Institute/Faculty 
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core business of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Conservation Biology (CML-CB). Presently, over 90 FTE (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University (Rotterdam) in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS) and Centre for Metropoles and Mainports (LDE-CMM).

Terms and conditions 
We offer a 20 month term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The salary range is from € 2.960 - € 4.670. gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.  

Diversity 
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to prof.dr. Martina Vijver, prof dr. Willie Peijnenburg

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to sollicitaties@cml.leidenuniv.nl . Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV
• A motivation letter

Only applications received before the 28th of October will be considered

Apply now