SD-26115- PHD IN ADVANCING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN (SSBD) ASSESSMENT OF NOVEL BIO-BASED POLYMERS: INTEGRATION OF NEW APPROACH METHODOLOGIES AND COMPUTATIONAL MODEL

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers

SD-26115- PHD IN ADVANCING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN (SSBD) ASSESSMENT OF NOVEL BIO-BASED POLYMERS: INTEGRATION OF NEW APPROACH METHODOLOGIES AND COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING FOR SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Fixed term contract | Belvaux | 48 Months (14 +22+12 )

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

You will join the Environmental Health (EH) group within the Environmental Sustainability Assessment and Circularity (SUSTAIN) Unit at LIST. SUSTAIN conducts cross-disciplinary research to support the transition toward a more sustainable, resilient, and healthy society, combining expertise in environmental sciences, circular economy, risk and safety assessment, and sustainable innovation.

The Environmental Health group conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of environmental toxicology, human health, and regulatory science, integrating in vitro toxicology, systems toxicology, exposure science, and sustainability assessment to develop next-generation tools and methods that inform decision-making and support the development of safe and sustainable products and policies.

This PhD position is embedded in the AIM-PACE project, which aims at developing a new generation of safe-and-sustainable-by-design, bio-based and circular plastics by combining AI, microbial technology, computer modelling, and polymer science. The PhD candidate is expected to support the operationalisation of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, actively contribute to the Safety Assessment of the novel bio-based polymers and the integration of results for informed decision making along the life-cycle and innovation routes. Production of chemical safety data, primarily generated through in vitro New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), and computational modelling are expected to be key outcomes. The PhD candidate will combine experimental toxicology with computational approaches and scientific literature data to validate relevant case studies, supporting the identification of methodological gaps and challenges, and contributing to the advancement of SSbD approaches for bio-based materials.

The PhD will be co-supervised by Dr. Ivana Vinković (Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb), a leading international expert in safety and toxicology assessment of advanced materials. Her research group performs cutting edge research at the nano-bio interface to identify opportunities and risks of nanomaterials and advanced materials at early stage of development, in a multidisciplinary environment covering chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, toxicology, risk assessment and regulatory science. In addition, it operates a high-impact testing platform for more tailored risk assessment and decision making which based on advanced biochemistry, immunology, toxicology, molecular and cell biology facilities. The academic supervisor will provide scientific guidance and mentorship throughout the doctoral research, support the development of the research plan, monitor progress, facilitate integration within the academic environment, and ensure compliance with the requirements of the PhD programme. The Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, is one of the leading research and higher education institutions in Croatia, offering advanced training and research infrastructure in chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, biosensors, environmental health, and biomedical sciences. The host group has expertise in Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches, nanomaterials, advanced analytical methods, and translational biomedical research.

How will you contribute?

As a PhD Student within the AIM-PACE project, your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the scoping analysis of the AIM-PACE scenarios and products, as part of the SSbD framework implementation.
• Conducting a comprehensive literature review and data collection on hazard profiles of existing substances/materials and use of computational modelling for data gap filling.
• Identifying, reviewing and using models and tools for hazard screening, exposure assessment and risk assessment in the context of SSbD.
• Application of new approach methodologies (NAMs), including in vitro and computational tools, for hazard, exposure and risk assessment of AIM-PACE materials.
• Collaborating with project partners in integrating safety output with sustainability, techno-economic and social indicators.
• Collaborating with the team of Dr. Ivana Vinković Vrček to explore research activities, scientific training, conferences, and dissemination activities, and complete all doctoral requirements according to University of Zagreb regulations.
• Contributing to the dissemination of results through peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference presentations, and technical reports.
• Actively participating in AIM-PACE consortium activities, including meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in environmental science/engineering, toxicology, pharmacy, or a closely related field.

Experience and skills

• Familiarity with in vitro toxicology methods and/or New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is an asset.
• Interest in or experience with computational approaches and modelling is a considered an asset.
• Experience in risk assessment and knowledge of the regulatory landscape is an asset.
• Basic understanding of Sustainability Assessment and Life Cycle Impact Assessment methodologies is valued.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Proactive, curious, and motivated to develop scientific independence.

Soft skills

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks across projects.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously under the guidance of a supervisory team.

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written.