Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Faculty:
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Department:
• Department Population Health Sciences
• Hours per week:
• 32 to 40
• Application deadline:

For a new international collaborative project, Utrecht University is seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead advanced epidemiological analyses on the contributions of air pollution mixtures and their interactions with heat during critical windows of exposure, in relation to children’s respiratory health, particularly asthma and lung function.

Your job

The project is an international collaboration between Texas A&M University (Dr. Haneen Khreis and Dr. Natalie Johnson) and Utrecht University (Dr. Ulrike Gehring, Dr. Kees de Hoogh, and Prof. Roel Vermeulen) at the intersection of environmental health, epidemiology, toxicology, and policy. It brings together well-established birth cohorts (BAMSE, Born in Bradford, INMA, PIAMA); leadership in air pollution, climate, and respiratory health; and a strong record of stakeholder engagement and policy impact.

The overarching goal is to improve our understanding of the effects of single exposures and exposure mixtures, including the role of exposure timing, duration, and intensity, as well as how heat acts as a climate-related effect modifier. Ultimately, the project aims to co-create actionable interventions at the air pollution–climate nexus.

You will be embedded in the One Health Chemical Group of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS),

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• develop protocols for harmonizing cohort data and coordinate communication with cohort partners regarding data transfer;
• develop the statistical analysis plan;
• perform statistical analyses on the associations of air pollution and heat with asthma and lung function, using standard methods (e.g. discrete-time hazard models, generalized estimating equations, and linear regression), as well as advanced approaches for high-dimensional exposures and mixture modelling;
• take a proactive role in collaborating with HAVEN team members and contribute to the toxicology and policy work packages;
• present and publish research findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific articles.

While the core tasks within HAVEN are well defined, there is room to further develop your own research interests and strengths. The project offers strong support for your academic and professional development, including participation in international conferences and collaboration with leading partners.

Your qualities

• A PhD in environmental epidemiology, environmental health, or a closely related field;
• strong statistical skills, preferably in the analysis of longitudinal data, high-dimensional data, and/or causal modelling;
• affinity with the topic, and preferably experience with cohort studies, respiratory health outcomes, and/or air pollution and heat;
• strong programming skills, preferably in R;
• a proactive attitude and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team;
• excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with project partners from diverse backgrounds;
• proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Our offer

• a position for one year. Performance will be evaluated after the first year, and an extension of up to four years is possible in the case of good performance;
• a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• 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.

About us

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.

More information

For more information please contact Dr. Ulrike Gehring at u.gehring@uu.nl.

Please note that you will need to live and be registered in the Netherlands no later than shortly after the start of the contract. Applications from outside the Netherlands are welcome—we are a highly international team—but you will need to relocate here for the duration of your contract.

Apply now

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 the following documents via the 'apply now' button:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• a copy of your PhD certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defense will take place
• one of your publications (e.g. the one that you consider your best or the one that fits better the topic of the project);
• names and email addresses of two references.

We expect to hold interviews during the first half of June 2026. We aim for the postdoc to start as soon as possible, but no later than September 1, 2026.

The application deadline is 30 May 2026.