Research Assistant in Computational Toxicology and PBK Modeling

Department of Animal Biosciences We are looking for a motivated research assistant to contribute to computational research on chemical exposure during pregnancy. You will join an ongoing project developing a physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pregnant women and the developing fetus. The position offers hands-on experience at the interface of toxicology, quantitative modeling, and human biomonitoring. About the position The main task is to contribute to the development, evaluation, and documentation of a pregnancy–fetus PBK model for PFAS. You will work closely with researchers in computational toxicology and chemical risk assessment at the Department of Animal Biosciences. The tasks will include: Development of a pregnancy-fetus PBK model; Handling biomonitoring data; in vitro to in vivo extrapolation; Bayesian modeling; Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses; Visualization and documentation of model assumptions, equations, parameters, and results; Model application for risk assessment Contribution to scientific outputs from the project. Your background We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in computational toxicology, toxicokinetics and quantitative analysis. Required qualifications a university degree in toxicology, pharmacology, biology, biomedicine, environmental science, bioinformatics, computational science, or another relevant discipline; experience in quantitative data analysis; experience in programming or statistical analysis, preferably in R; the ability to work independently, accurately, and systematically with scientific data; and good written and spoken English. The following qualifications are considered merits: experience in toxicokinetic, pharmacokinetic or physiologically based kinetic (PBK/PBTK) modelling; experience in parameter estimation, model calibration, sensitivity analysis or uncertainty analysis; knowledge of PFAS toxicokinetics or environmental contaminants; experience working with human biomonitoring data; and experience in scientific programming and reproducible data-analysis workflows. Particular emphasis will be placed on analytical ability, accuracy, the capacity to work independently and an interest in interdisciplinary research. Because the position is short, previous experience in quantitative modelling and R programming will be particularly valuable. The position will be offered to the candidate who, following an overall qualitative assessment, is considered to have the best qualifications to carry out and develop the relevant tasks and contribute positively to the research environment. About us The Department of Animal Biosciences (HBIO) is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education, research, and doctoral studies in several fundamental and applied scientific disciplines. These include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, breeding and genetics, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootiology, comparative medicine, food safety, and One Health. Our research ranges from production animals to sport and companion animals, laboratory animals and wildlife. Researchers at the department work across scales, from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to whole-animal structure, function and behaviour, and study how these are affected by breeding, physical activity, management, production, stress, environmental factors and disease. The research assistant will contribute to research in computational toxicology and chemical risk assessment, with particular emphasis on PBK modelling, human exposure and integration of experimental and biomonitoring data with computational models. More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/husdjurens-biovetenskaper/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Uppsala Form of employment: Fixed-term employment 3 month, swith the possibility of extension. Scope: 100% Start date: As agreed. Application: Please submit your application before deadline 1 October 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. The position will be offered to the candidate who, following a comprehensive qualitative assessment, is deemed to have the best qualifications to carry out and develop the relevant job duties and contribute to the positive development of the organization. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.