Assistant/Associate Professor in Environmental Risk Assessment
Radboud University
Netherlands

The Department of Environmental Science is looking for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Environmental Risk Assessment with expertise in the modelling of emissions, fate, exposure and/or ecological effects of pollutants.

Founded in 1991, the department conducts world-class scientific research to help society move towards greater sustainability. To achieve this, we develop predictive mechanistic, statistical and data-driven models capable of quantifying the impacts of human pressures on the environment, and apply these to explore and identify broad-scale solutions for the environmental sustainability challenges the world faces today.

To complement our existing expertise, we seek candidates for advancing our research on environmental risk assessment. You will be expected to develop and apply next-generation (multi-compartment) models for the prediction of emissions, environmental fate, exposure and/or ecological impacts of pollutants, such as chemicals, plastics and nutrients, across spatial and temporal scales. There is an urgent need for these models within the context of several European policies such as the EU’s zero pollution ambition for a non-toxic environment, the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) policy and the current policy to reduce animal testing (3R policy). The novel assessment models that you will develop should align with these policies.

You will be expected to develop an independent research programme embedded in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. You will also contribute to the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Biology, specifically through the coordination and teaching of courses (such as Human and Ecological Risk Assessment and Environmental and Ecological Modelling), the supervision of students during their BSc and MSc internships, and the further development and improvement of the curricula. As an Assistant/Associate Professor, you will take up management tasks within and beyond the Department of Environmental Science, and you will contribute to creating societal impact. Academic staff typically have a 40-40-20% distribution of research, education and management.

Does this sound like you?

• You hold a PhD in environmental risk assessment, environmental modelling, or a closely related field.
• You have expertise in integrating environmental data, scientific knowledge, and advanced computational approaches that can contribute to environmental risk assessment.
• You have a demonstrated ability or clear potential to develop an internationally recognised research profile in environmental risk assessment, as evidenced by, for example, high-quality publications or invited lectures.
• You have a demonstrated ability or clear potential to attract competitive research funding.
• You have experience in university teaching and student supervision and are committed to contributing to the development of education.
• You possess strong communication, collaboration and leadership skills and are motivated to translate scientific insights into societal impact. 

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of one year with the prospect of an indefinite contract.
• Your salary depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. You will be appointed as an Assistant Professor (salary scale 11 or 12) or Associate Professor (salary scale 13 or 14). 
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

The Department of Environmental Science is an integral part of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), together with three other departments: Plant and Animal Biology, Ecology and Microbiology. RIBES aims to conduct world-leading research to understand the natural environment's response to human impact. RIBES is working on the overarching research mission 'Towards Healthy Ecosystems', with four focus areas:

1. Macronutrients and chemicals of emerging concern.
2. Physical conditions: understanding responses and adaptation mechanisms to stressors.
3. Biodiversity decline and recovery of ecological communities.
4. Mitigation of greenhouse gases.

With the knowledge developed, RIBES aims to contribute to mitigating ecosystem degradation and finding solutions to restore the natural environment. RIBES is nationally and internationally unique as its research encompasses three major groups of organisms (microorganisms, plants and animals) and spans nearly all levels of biological organisation. 

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Mark Huijbregts. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 20 January. Any second interview will take place on Wednesday 3 February. You will preferably start your employment at 1 July 2027.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information. 

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.