Pesticides are widely used across the globe to protect crops, resulting in chronic, low-level exposure among people who live and work near treated fields. There is growing concern that these exposures contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Each year, several thousand new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed in the Netherlands alone, yet no cure exists — making the identification of modifiable risk factors both urgent and potentially high impact.
As the PhD candidate on this project, you will combine state-of-the-art exposure surfaces developed within the OBO-2 consortium with nationwide administrative health data to investigate how environmental pesticide exposure relates to disease risk across the entire Dutch population. This is a unique opportunity to conduct epidemiological research at population scale on a topic with direct societal relevance.
In this PhD project, you will:
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Link high-resolution pesticide exposure surfaces from the OBO-2 consortium to nationwide administrative and health registries covering the Dutch population over multiple years;
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Design and lead epidemiological studies on the association between environmental pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neurodegenerative outcomes;
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Apply advanced statistical and quantitative methods to large, complex datasets, addressing exposure misclassification, confounding, and effect modification;
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Work primarily in R, with opportunities to develop reproducible pipelines for large-scale population data;
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Collaborate closely with fellow researchers and external partners within the OBO-2 project and the wider One Health Chemical (OHC) group;
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Disseminate your findings through scientific publications, international conferences, and engagement with policymakers and the public.
This PhD position is embedded within the national OBO-2 research programme on pesticides and the health of residents living near agricultural areas. OBO-2 brings together leading Dutch institutes and combines exposure science, epidemiology, and toxicology to generate the evidence base informing Dutch and European pesticide policy. You will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers, PhD candidates, and external collaborators — offering a stimulating environment in which to grow as an independent scientist.
Learn more about the OBO-2 programme
We are looking for a curious, driven researcher who has:
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A recently completed (or nearly completed) Master’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, or a closely related quantitative field;
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A solid foundation in epidemiological study design and methods, demonstrated through academic projects or a Master’s thesis;
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Hands-on experience with quantitative methods and real-world data analysis;
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Strong programming skills in R (experience with large datasets is a plus);
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Excellent written and spoken English;
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A good working knowledge of Dutch (useful for working with national registry data and Dutch partners);
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Strong critical thinking skills and a collaborative mindset, with an interest in interdisciplinary work.
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a one-year initial appointment, extendable to a total of four years upon a positive evaluation;
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
Institute for Risk Assesment Sciences (IRAS) is a world leading, interfaculty institute spanning the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, organised around three core domains: Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology, and Veterinary Public Health. Our international team comes from around the world, and our work translates scientific evidence into tools, insights, and solutions for sustainable well-being.
For more information, please contact Dr. Anke Huss at [email protected] or Dr. Mariana Simoes at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘Apply now’ button.
In your motivation letter, please tell us:
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What you hope to learn or achieve during your PhD to further your academic or professional development;
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Which aspects of this PhD project excite you, and how they relate to your academic interests and future research goals;
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Which skills and knowledge from your Master’s studies will be most useful for this project.
Please also enclose:
Your curriculum vitae;
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The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees;
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A copy of your MSc certificate, or a letter from your MSc thesis supervisor indicating when you expect to graduate;
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Transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s grades.
Application deadline: 10 June 2026
