As part of PARC’s efforts to build research capacity and promote collaboration, the National Centre for Environmental Health (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km. 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain) is offering a staff exchange opportunity through its Environmental Toxicology Unit, to work under the supervision of Dr. Mónica Torres Ruiz.

This short-term training (2-3 months; between September and December) is designed for MSc or PhD students, early-career researchers, technical staff, and professionals working in toxicology, ecotoxicology, environmental health, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, or related fields. Applicants should have a basic background in experimental biology, toxicology, environmental sciences, or risk assessment, together with a strong interest in the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical hazard assessment. Previous experience with aquatic models, molecular biology, behavioural analysis, or data analysis is considered an advantage but is not required.

During the placement, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience in aquatic NAMs using zebrafish embryos/larvae and Daphnia magna as complementary models to assess the effects of emerging contaminants on developmental, neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, reproductive, behavioural, and molecular endpoints;
• Develop practical skills in organism maintenance, exposure design, acute and chronic toxicity testing, behavioural assays, molecular endpoint assessment, data processing, dose–response interpretation, and quality-controlled documentation of experimental procedures;
• Understand how aquatic NAMs contribute to chemical hazard identification and human health-oriented risk assessment within a One Health framework, and how results obtained in aquatic models support mechanistic toxicology, NAM development, protocol harmonisation, and PARC risk assessment activities.

The laboratory provides a dynamic research environment focused on environmental toxicology, exposure-effect relationships, and the assessment of emerging contaminants, including micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, bisphenols, and other substances of concern. As an active partner in PARC, particularly within WP5, the team contributes to the development of innovative NAMs and protocol harmonisation for regulatory toxicology. This exchange offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen laboratory skills, gain insight into internationally harmonised research practices, and expand professional networks through collaboration within the PARC partnership.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the PARC staff exchange process and eligibility criteria before expressing their interest. For further information or to apply for this training opportunity, please contact mariana [dot] bessainsa [dot] min-saude [dot] pt (mariana[dot]bessa[at]insa[dot]min-saude[dot]pt). The PARC Task 9.4 team will assist in matching training needs with host institutions and facilitating the exchange process.