PhD Funded in Neurotoxicity of Herbal Supplements at Utrecht University, Netherlands

Utrecht University is inviting applications for a PhD student position in Neurotoxicity of Herbal Supplements in the Netherlands. The position is based in the Toxicology Division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) and is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The PhD project focuses on developing a better strategy for assessing the safety of herbal supplements, with particular attention to neurotoxicity, blood-brain-barrier effects, and cardiotoxicity. The research will use innovative in vitro toxicity testing approaches, including microelectrode array recordings and cellular imaging.

The project is commissioned by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and is being conducted in collaboration with Maastricht University. It offers an opportunity for graduates in life sciences, biomedical sciences, toxicology, neuroscience, and related fields to conduct research with direct relevance to human health and chemical risk assessment.

The application deadline is September 13, 2026.

Key Details

Detail	Information
University	Utrecht University
Faculty	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department	Department of Population Health Sciences
Research Institute	Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS)
Division	Toxicology Division
Research Group	Neurotoxicology Research Group
Position	PhD Student
PhD Project	Towards a tiered risk assessment strategy to evaluate the safety of herbal supplements
Workload	36–40 hours per week
Duration	1 year initially, extendable to 4 years after successful assessment
Salary	€3,204–€4,051 gross per month
Salary Scale	Scale P, CAO NU
Location	Utrecht, Netherlands
Application Deadline	September 13, 2026
Funding/Commissioning	Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
Collaboration	Maastricht University
Primary Research Area	Neurotoxicity and chemical risk assessment

About the PhD Project

The PhD research project is titled “Towards a tiered risk assessment strategy to evaluate the safety of herbal supplements.” The project addresses an important public-health question: how can researchers more effectively determine whether herbal supplements are safe for human use?

Herbal supplements are widely consumed, but the safety profiles of many herbal extracts remain insufficiently characterised. Although products marketed as natural are often perceived as harmless, certain herbal substances have been associated with serious adverse health effects.

Examples include aristolochia extract, which has been associated with kidney damage, kava extract, which can cause liver toxicity, and ephedra extract, which has been linked to cardiovascular effects.

These examples demonstrate why a systematic and scientifically robust approach is needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of herbal supplements.

The Utrecht University PhD project will contribute to the development of such an approach by investigating the potential toxic effects of different herbal extracts using advanced in vitro screening methods.

Research Focus: Neurotoxicity of Herbal Supplements

The main research focus is the potential impact of herbal extracts on the nervous system.

As a PhD researcher, you will investigate how different herbal extracts may affect neuronal cells and nervous-system function. The research will focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms through which potentially toxic substances can interfere with normal biological processes.

One of the key techniques mentioned in the vacancy is microelectrode array recording. This type of technology can be used to measure electrical activity in neuronal cultures and provides a way to investigate whether chemical exposures alter neuronal function.

The project will also use cellular imaging to examine changes in cells following exposure to herbal extracts.

Together, these approaches can provide information about both functional and structural effects, helping researchers understand whether particular herbal substances may pose a risk to the nervous system.

Blood-Brain Barrier Research

Another important part of the project is the investigation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The blood-brain barrier is a specialised protective interface that helps regulate which substances can move from the bloodstream into the brain. Maintaining its integrity and normal function is essential for protecting the central nervous system.

During the PhD, you will investigate whether herbal extracts can interfere with the function or integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

Understanding these effects could help researchers determine whether exposure to certain herbal substances may compromise this important protective system.

This part of the research also adds a broader dimension to the project because toxicity may not only depend on direct effects on neuronal cells. Changes to protective biological barriers can also influence the vulnerability of the nervous system.

Investigation of Cardiotoxicity

The PhD project will also investigate the potential cardiotoxic effects of herbal extracts.

This research is based partly on the similarity in excitability between neuronal cells and cardiomyocytes. Because electrical activity is important for the function of both cell types, certain compounds that interfere with cellular excitability may have effects beyond the nervous system.

The researcher will therefore assess whether selected herbal extracts can affect cardiac cell function.

This work contributes to the broader objective of developing a tiered risk assessment strategy capable of identifying several possible toxicological hazards using complementary in vitro approaches.

Collaboration With Maastricht University

The Utrecht University project forms part of a larger collaborative research effort with Maastricht University.

While the Utrecht PhD will primarily focus on neurotoxicity, blood-brain-barrier effects, and cardiotoxicity, other potential adverse health effects will be investigated through a collaborative PhD project at Maastricht University.

These additional areas include:

• Hepatotoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Genotoxicity

The collaboration allows researchers to examine herbal supplement safety from multiple toxicological perspectives rather than focusing on only one organ system.

This multidisciplinary approach is particularly valuable for developing more comprehensive approaches to chemical and product safety assessment.

Your Responsibilities as a PhD Student

The successful candidate will undertake independent research while working as part of an international scientific team.

Major responsibilities include:

• Conducting experimental research into the potential neurotoxicity of herbal extracts.
• Using in vitro toxicity testing approaches.
• Performing microelectrode array recordings.
• Applying cellular imaging techniques.
• Investigating effects on the blood-brain barrier.
• Assessing the potential cardiotoxicity of herbal extracts.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental data.
• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Developing published research into the foundation of a PhD thesis.
• Supervising MSc students during their internships.
• Participating in relevant scientific and professional training courses.

The position therefore combines laboratory research, scientific communication, student supervision, and doctoral training.

Who Can Apply?

The position is particularly suitable for graduates with a strong academic background in life sciences, biomedical sciences, toxicology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.

According to the vacancy, applicants should hold a Master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related field and have a strong interest in cellular and/or neurotoxicology.

Candidates with hands-on experience in neuronal cell culture are especially encouraged to apply.

A suitable academic background could therefore include experience in areas such as:

• Cellular biology
• Neuroscience
• Neurotoxicology
• Toxicology
• Biomedical sciences
• Pharmacology
• Molecular biology
• Life sciences
• In vitro toxicity testing

The most important consideration is that your academic and research background aligns well with the scientific objectives of the PhD project.

Skills and Personal Qualities

The successful PhD candidate is expected to combine scientific curiosity with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Important qualities include:

Strong Scientific Interest

You should have a clear interest in cellular and/or neurotoxicology and be motivated to understand how potentially harmful substances affect biological systems.

Laboratory Experience

Experience with neuronal cell culture is particularly valuable for this position. Candidates with practical experience in cellular research should clearly highlight this in their CV and motivation letter.

Communication Skills

Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required because the project involves an international scientific environment, publications, conferences, and collaboration with researchers from different institutions.

Independent Research Ability

A PhD requires substantial independent work. You should be able to plan experiments, analyse results, identify problems, and develop solutions while receiving guidance from your supervisors.

Teamwork

At the same time, the project is collaborative. You will work with scientists and PhD researchers within Utrecht University and contribute to collaboration with Maastricht University.

The strongest applicants will therefore demonstrate both independence and teamwork.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position is offered for 36 to 40 hours per week.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of four years following a successful assessment during the first year. The stated intention is that the position will lead to completion of a doctorate within the four-year period.

The gross monthly salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 for full-time employment, depending on the applicable stage of the PhD appointment.

The position falls under salary scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Additional employment benefits include:

• 8% holiday pay
• 8.3% year-end bonus
• Pension scheme
• Partially paid parental leave
• Flexible employment conditions
• Professional development opportunities
• Various types of leave
• Sports and cultural activity arrangements
• Options to tailor employment conditions through the Terms of Employment Options Model

Utrecht University also supports employees in continuing their professional and personal development during their employment.

Research Environment at Utrecht University

Utrecht University is one of the major research universities in the Netherlands and brings together researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines.

Its researchers work across several strategic themes, including Life Sciences, Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, and Pathways to Sustainability.

The interdisciplinary structure of the university is particularly relevant to this PhD project because toxicology research can involve connections between biology, medicine, environmental health, risk assessment, and public policy.

The project will be located within the Toxicology Division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).

Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences

The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences focuses on understanding risks associated with chemical and other environmental exposures.

Within the Toxicology Division, researchers conduct fundamental and applied research aimed at improving the scientific basis of chemical risk assessment.

The division includes four research groups covering:

• Endocrine toxicology
• Immune toxicology
• Neurotoxicology
• Exposure assessment

The PhD candidate will join the Neurotoxicology Research Group, which investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which potentially toxic substances affect the nervous system.

This provides a strong research setting for candidates interested in experimental toxicology and innovative alternatives to traditional toxicity testing.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Although the research focuses on human health and chemical risk assessment, the position is located within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.

The faculty combines education, research, and animal healthcare and takes an integrated approach to the relationships between animal health, human health, and environmental health.

The faculty has approximately 1,500 students and 950 staff members, creating a large academic environment for interdisciplinary research.

For a PhD student, this environment can provide opportunities to interact with researchers working across different aspects of health and biological sciences.

Why This PhD Position Is Worth Considering

This PhD opportunity offers several advantages for candidates interested in toxicology and biomedical research.

First, the research addresses a practical and socially relevant issue. Herbal supplements are widely used, yet their safety can vary considerably depending on the substance, dose, composition, and biological effects.

Second, the project uses innovative in vitro methods, giving the successful candidate an opportunity to develop practical research expertise in modern toxicity testing.

Third, the project is connected to a broader collaborative programme involving Utrecht University, Maastricht University, and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

The combination of laboratory research, toxicological risk assessment, academic publishing, conference participation, and PhD training makes this a potentially strong opportunity for an early-career researcher seeking a research career in toxicology, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, or regulatory science.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare a strong application that demonstrates both academic preparation and relevant research experience.

The vacancy requests:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Letter of motivation

Your motivation letter should explain why you are interested in the PhD project and how your academic and research background matches the position.Candidates with experience in neuronal cell culture, cellular biology, neurotoxicology, in vitro assays, imaging, or related laboratory techniques should make these skills particularly clear in their application.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online through the “Apply now” The application deadline is September 13, 2026.Applicants should submit their CV and motivation letter through the online recruitment system before the deadline.

For scientific questions about the position, the vacancy lists Dr Remco Westerink as the contact person. However, applicants are specifically instructed not to send their application directly to this email address.

Because the deadline is relatively close, prospective candidates should prepare their application materials early and ensure that their motivation letter clearly connects their previous research experience with the project’s focus on neurotoxicity and in vitro toxicology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD project about?

The project investigates the potential toxicity of herbal supplements and aims to contribute to a tiered risk assessment strategy. The Utrecht component focuses particularly on neurotoxicity, blood-brain-barrier effects, and cardiotoxicity.

Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at Utrecht University in Utrecht, Netherlands, within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is September 13, 2026.

How long is the PhD position?

The initial appointment is for one year. Following a successful assessment, it can be extended to a total of four years, with the intention that the candidate completes a doctorate during this period.

What is the salary?

The advertised gross monthly salary is €3,204 to €4,051 for full-time employment, under salary scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

What degree do I need?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in cellular and/or neurotoxicology.

Is neuronal cell culture experience required?

It is not stated as an absolute requirement, but candidates with experience in neuronal cell culture are specifically encouraged to apply.

What research methods will be used?

The project includes in vitro toxicity testing methods such as microelectrode array recordings and cellular imaging. Research will also investigate the function and integrity of the blood-brain barrier and potential cardiotoxic effects.

Is this project connected to Maastricht University?

Yes. The Utrecht project is part of a collaborative effort with Maastricht University investigating the safety of herbal supplements using different in vitro approaches.

Can international applicants apply?

The vacancy does not state a nationality restriction. The project requires excellent English communication skills because of its international research environment. Applicants should review the university’s current employment and immigration information if they require a residence or work permit.

What documents are required?

The vacancy requests a curriculum vitae and letter of motivation, which should be submitted through the online application system.

Can I email my application to the research supervisor?

No. The vacancy specifically states that applications should be submitted through the online application system and not sent to the listed research contact’s email address.