Fixed term contract | 14 + 22 + 12 Months | Belvaux
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
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/
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 DESIDERATA project, which aims to operationalize Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles by developing novel methodologies to systematically integrate chemical safety data, primarily generated through in vitro New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The PhD candidate will combine experimental toxicology with computational approaches, including knowledge graph-based representations of mechanistic data, to enable a quantitative linkage between hazard endpoints and environmental sustainability indicators. Developed methods will be validated on relevant case studies, contributing to the scientific basis for next-generation safety-informed sustainability assessment.
The PhD will be co-supervised by Prof. Dario Greco (Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Finland), a leading international expert in computational toxicology, systems biology, knowledge graph modelling, and multi-omics data integration. Prof. Greco's research group has pioneered the use of knowledge graphs and biological network models to represent and reason over complex toxicological and mechanistic data, including Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). His strong background in next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) and data-driven modelling will provide a key computational and mechanistic dimension to complement the experimental and sustainability assessment expertise available at LIST.
How will you contribute?
As a PhD Student within the DESIDERATA project, your main responsibilities will include:
Conducting a comprehensive literature review on existing approaches to integrate toxicological and safety data into LCA metrics, including SSbD frameworks and chemical footprint methods.
Developing and testing methodologies to translate in vitro safety endpoints (e.g., cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, AOP-based data) into quantitative indicators compatible with Life Cycle Impact Assessment frameworks.
Collaborating with the computational team of Prof. Dario Greco to explore knowledge graph-based approaches for representing mechanistic safety data and integrating them with sustainability assessment models.
Applying and validating the developed methods to case studies relevant to circular economy scenarios (e.g., recycled materials, bio-based products, chemical substitution).
Contributing to the dissemination of results through peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference presentations, and technical reports.
Actively participating in DESIDERATA consortium activities, including meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.
Completing the PhD training programme in accordance with the requirements of the partner university.
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
Education
Master's degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, 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, data modelling, or knowledge representation (e.g., knowledge graphs, ontologies) is a considered an asset.
Previous knowledge of Life Cycle Impact Assessment methodology is strongly valued
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
Proactive, curious, and motivated to develop scientific independence.
Language skills
Fluency in English, both oral and written.
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 metres, 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 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil 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 and access to lunch vouchers
Apply online
Your application must include:
A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
A scientific CV with contact details
List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
Contact details of 2 references
Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.
Application procedure and conditions
We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.
PhD additional conditions:
Supervisor at LIST: Dr.Panagiotis Isigonis ([email protected])
Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
PhD enrolment: University of Tampere, Finland
Please note that university enrolment fees, currently set at 400 EUR per semester (as of July 2025) must be covered by the successful applicant.
Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:
https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/