At the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, we are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to work on advanced statistical and AI methods for multi-omic integration, focusing on the computational integration of environmental exposure and multi-omics data to identify molecular pathways involved in multimorbidity.
Environmental exposures occur as complex mixtures and may simultaneously affect multiple biological systems involved in immune, metabolic, and respiratory health. Increasing evidence suggests that these exposures perturb molecular pathways contributing to multimorbidity across the life course. However, the biological mechanisms linking environmental exposures to multiple disease outcomes remain poorly understood, particularly when integrating multiple molecular layers and complex exposure profiles.
In this PhD project, you will develop and apply advanced statistical, computational, and machine learning approaches to identify molecular signatures associated with environmental exposures and investigate their relationship with multimorbidity-related health outcomes.
The project will leverage large-scale epidemiological cohort studies combining environmental exposure information with multiple omics layers, including metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and other high-dimensional molecular datasets.
Your work will focus on:
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investigating associations between environmental exposures and molecular features using mixture-aware and multivariate modelling approaches;
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integrating multiple omics layers using systems biology, network-based approaches, and graphical models;
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developing computational frameworks to identify coordinated molecular modules and pathway-level perturbations associated with environmental exposures;
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applying machine learning and multivariate modelling approaches to investigate shared molecular mechanisms underlying multimorbidity patterns;
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evaluating the robustness and generalizability of identified molecular signatures across multiple population-based cohorts.
Methodological approaches may include multi-omics network analysis, latent factor models, matrix factorization methods, penalized models, graphical models, and explainable machine learning or AI-based frameworks. You will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers in epidemiology, exposomics, environmental health, computational biology, and data science within national and international collaborative projects.
You are an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with:
a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, Epidemiology, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field;- demonstrated expertise in programming and quantitative data analysis in R/Python;
- experience with statistical modelling, machine learning, or network-based approaches for high-dimensional data;
- a strong interest in high-dimensional omics and exposome research;
- excellent collaboration, reporting, and presentation skills;
- proficiency in written and spoken English.
Candidates with the following skills are especially encouraged to apply:
experience with machine learning or AI pipelines;- experience working with multi-omics datasets or systems biology approaches;
- familiarity with high-performance computing environments;
- experience with reproducible computational workflows and data integration pipelines.
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a one-year appointment, with the possibility of extension to four years upon a positive evaluation after the first year;
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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.
This position is fully funded and includes financial support for visits to conferences, workshops, and summer schools. We also promote (inter)national exchange visits.
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.
You will be based at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), working within the OHC-Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science group led by Dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor. The project will be embedded in an interdisciplinary environment integrating environmental epidemiology, exposomics, systems biology, and computational data science.
Our mission is to advance cutting-edge research to unravel the complex interactions between environmental exposures and human health through innovative analytical and computational approaches. By integrating multiple disciplines and molecular layers, we aim to translate scientific knowledge into actionable tools and insights that improve population health.
IRAS is an interfaculty research institute spanning the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. It is dedicated to education and research on human and environmental health risks associated with exposure to potentially harmful agents. Our research is organized around three core domains: toxicology, environmental epidemiology, and veterinary public health.
For more information, please contact dr. Natalia Vilor-Tejedor 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.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, please apply via the ‘Apply now’ button. Please include:
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a motivation letter;
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a curriculum vitae;
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the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees.
The intended start date of the position is flexible, but ideally before September 15th 2026.
