PHD POSITION: STUDY THE EFFECT OF CHEMICALS ON THYROID HORMONE TRANSPORT TO THE BRAIN

Are you interested in contributing to the safety of compounds and especially for the interplay between the thyroid system and the developing brain? Are you a creative and proactive scientist with a background in toxicology, biomedical sciences or neuroscience? Then we are looking for you!

Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 - 1

Optimum thyroid hormone concentrations are critical for normal brain development. Currently, there is limited knowledge on the exact role of chemical exposure and the thyroid hormone balance in brain development, since regulatory test guidelines do not measure this. The blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) is one of the physiological barriers preventing toxic compounds to enter our brain. To allow for normal brain development and functioning, this barrier has several transport mechanisms that allow essential endogenous substrates, such as thyroid hormones (THs), to pass. In recent years, several environmental compounds, to which we are exposed on a daily basis, have been demonstrated to inhibit thyroid hormone transport across the BCSFB. As such, these compounds may interfere with proper brain development and are considered as potential developmental neurotoxic (DNT) substances. More

tests need to be developed to measure the disturbance of thyroid hormone balance during brain development in order to predict if chemical exposure during pregnancy is safe. The final goal is to combine and integrate data from these models with other existing models to predict if chemical exposure adversely affects brain development.

The successful PhD candidate will start to set up an iPSC (induced Pluripotent Stem Cell)-based choroid plexus model for the BCSFB and characterize this model in terms of TH transporters. You will use the model to perform thyroid hormone transport studies, and to test potential inhibitors of TH transporters. You will also study to what extend potential inhibitors themselves are transported through the BCSFB. In addition, you will be involved in reproducibility studies for the interlaboratory validation of established in vitro tests for disruption of TH transport. Finally, your work will contribute to better understanding of mechanisms that may disturb brain development. This knowledge, together with data from literature, will be used to construct an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) that can be used as a framework for the development of integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). This research is part of the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), a large international research consortium. As PhD candidate, you will also regularly interact with other partners of the PARC consortium. Your research will feed into this project and you will be able to profit from the other knowledge and models generated in this project. The ultimate aim is to contribute to the regulatory acceptance of in vitro assays in next generation risk assessment.

This project is a collaboration between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Institute for Life and Environment (VUA–A-LIFE) and the National Institute for Public Health and Environment - Centre for Health Protection (RIVM–GZB - VTS). It is partly financed by the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), where VUA–A-LIFE is involved in the development of innovative in vitro methods and RIVM-GZB in the construction of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for thyroid hormone system disruption.

Your duties
The PhD student will be employed at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam within the section of Environmental Health & Toxicology of the A-LIFE department and be enrolled in VUA’s doctoral program. Regular visits to RIVM-GZB are foreseen to discuss the project progress. In addition, the PhD student will work a part of his/her PhD at the RIVM to perform experimental and desk work. You will present your results at national and international conferences, and in relevant scientific journals. Your promotion will be at VUA, with (co)promotores from VUA and RIVM.

• A MSc degree in Life Sciences, Cell or Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field with an interest in Toxicology
• Affinity with the field of Endocrinology, Developmental Neurotoxicology or Neuroscience, and/or Endocrine Disruption
• Good wet lab experimental skills, with experience in in vitro (toxicity) studies, cell culturing, molecular biology and biochemical assays
• Highly motivated multi-tasker with a curiosity for science and exquisite attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Willingness to alternate between two locations, depending on the results and progress of the project (RIVM Bilthoven and VU Amsterdam)
• Proactive attitude, excellent communicator and a team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English at a level appropriate to scientific research. Verbal communication in Dutch is appreciated
• Previous experience with iPSC differentiation models, radioactive-labeled tracers, and/or analytical chemistry are not required but will be considered a plus

A challenging position in socially involved organizations. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,247 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8- 1.0 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended to a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• child daycare facilities available on campus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.

A-LIFE
The position is offered within the Amsterdam Institute of Life and Environment (A-LIFE) department at the Faculty of Science of the VU University Amsterdam. A-LIFE is created by the merger between the departments of Ecology, Health and Environment and Molecular Cell Biology. The section Environmental Health and Toxicology focuses on understanding the influence of environmental factors on human and environmental health. We use this knowledge for innovative research and education.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has been promoting public health and safeguarding a healthy environment for more than 100 years. RIVM has a central role in infectious disease control and national prevention and population screening programs. We conduct independent (scientific) research in the field of Public Health, Health Services, Environmental Safety and Security.  In our role as trusted advisor, we support citizens, professionals and governments in the challenge of keeping the environment and ourselves healthy.

Centre for Health Protection
The Centre for Health Protection (Gezondheidsbescherming, GZB) is one of the 12 research centers at RIVM and focuses on human adverse health effects of chemical substances, biological agents and particles, with a special focus on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tobacco, consumer products and the interaction with life style factors. Within these topics, novel developments are monitored, and both laboratory and desk research is performed to better understand and explain adverse health effects. GZB has a broad laboratory infrastructure, including chemical analysis, cell biology and imaging laboratories. Research results are translated into advice for policymakers, risk assessors and scientists within (inter)national bodies. In addition, within GZB, we offer a social environment with multidisciplinary teams and an informal structure. For PhD candidates, RIVM offers the promovendi network RIVM (Proneri) to connect with other PhD candidates at the institute.

Department for Innovative Testing Strategies
The Department for Innovative Testing Strategies (Vernieuwing Test Strategieën, VTS) gives advice to policymakers from different Ministries (VWS, I&W, LNV) on the risks of exposure to chemical substances, nanomaterials and medical devices and on alternatives to animal testing. The department generates novel scientific knowledge and insights on these topics and translates this knowledge into advice for (inter)national governments and regulatory institutes. The main aim of the research performed at VTS is to use scientific knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity to improve the risk assessment of substances in an innovative way. Within VTS there is special focus on carcinogenesis, reproductive toxicology, genetic toxicology, neurotoxicology, immunotoxicology, inhalation toxicology, and endocrine disruption.

About RIVM–GZB - VTS
The Department of Innovative Testing Strategies (Vernieuwing Test Strategieën, VTS) at RIVM is part of the Centre for Health Protection. VTS conducts research and gives policy advice on the hazards for humans of exposure to chemical substances, nanomaterials and advanced materials as well as on alternatives to animal testing. The main aim of the research performed at VTS is to use scientific knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity to innovate human safety assessment.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until

.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Dr. T. Hamers or Dr. E. Hessel
Position: Associate professor / Research Scientist
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Telephone:

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