PhD student in Environmental Science, the implementation of in vitro methods for developmental neurotoxicity of chemicals

22 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Stockholm University

Research Field

Environmental science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

22 Apr 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

927--1-23376

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 23 April 2024.

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focus on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry, toxicology, risk assessment and risk management of chemicals. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science, you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and a strong international profile.

Project description
Brain power is precious, and chemical insults to brain development come at a great cost to society. Animal studies of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) are time-consuming, expensive, use a large number of animals, and have shortcomings including a limited comprehensiveness of the endpoints measured. Few of the chemicals we are exposed to have ever been tested for DNT. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), such as a recently developed battery of 17 in vitro assays, carry the potential to change this.

The primary objective of this project is to inform the development and implementation of reliable and sensitive DNT NAMs with new scientific evidence on critical knowledge gaps. These include questions related to the consistency of in vivo and in vitro DNT tests; aspects of assay reproducibility; the sensitivity of NAMs; the role of NAMs in hazard classification according to specific EU rules (CLP Regulation) as well as in a possible future tiered approach for the assessment of DNT; who should perform the testing and how biases can be avoided.

This project will combine established methods for statistical and graphical (re-)analysis of experimental data, policy documents and literature review, and likely experimental in vitro studies to fill data gaps and strengthen conclusions.

Ultimately, the proposed project will contribute to ensuring a high level of protection of human health with respect to neurodevelopment, in accordance with the legal and political aims.

Qualification requirements
To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their ability to successfully pursue research education. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.

We are looking for a person with a background in toxicology, environmental science, risk assessment, or similar. Knowledge of the regulation of chemicals (in particular in the EU), chemical risk assessment, document analysis, and relevant lab experience are merits. The ability to drive a project and independently work in close contact with several different collaborators is important, as well as the documented ability to write scientific texts in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact researcher Axel Mie (main supervisor), [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , [email protected]  (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] .

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement and that it is submitted before the deadline. 

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• A cover letter motivating your interest in this position
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience, and a list of degree projects/theses
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Optional letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Requirements

Research Field

Environmental science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Environmental science » Other

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Stockholm University

Country

Sweden

City

Stockholm

Postal Code

11418

Street

Svante Arrhenius väg 8

Where to apply

Website

https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage…

Contact

City

Stockholm

Street

Svante Arrhenius väg 8

Postal Code

11418

STATUS: EXPIRED