As part of PARC’s efforts to strengthen research capacity and foster collaboration across partner institutions, the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), located at Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal, is offering a staff exchange opportunity within its Food and Nutrition Department, under the supervision of Dr. Ricardo Assunção.

This mobility opportunity is offered for a duration of 1 to 4 months (September–December 2027) and is intended for early-career and experienced researchers holding at least a Master’s degree in areas such as Food Sciences, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Environmental or Public Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or closely related disciplines. The programme is particularly suited to candidates interested in food safety, chemical contaminants, and human exposure assessment. Prior experience in analytical chemistry, food contaminant research, exposure assessment, toxicology, statistics, or risk assessment will be considered beneficial. Familiarity with quality assurance systems, data analysis tools, and exposure or risk assessment software is also an advantage.

During the placement, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience with analytical methodologies for the determination of food contaminants, including both organic compounds and inorganic substances such as acrylamide and metals;
• Develop practical knowledge of dietary exposure and risk assessment, with particular emphasis on the use of occurrence data, food consumption information, and deterministic and probabilistic modelling approaches;
• Explore how analytical data are integrated into dietary exposure assessment and risk characterisation, supporting the identification of priority contaminants, major food contributors, and population groups of concern.

The Food and Nutrition Department offers a highly interdisciplinary environment, bringing together expertise in food chemistry, analytical sciences, toxicology, nutrition, exposure and risk assessment. Its activities support national and European priorities in food safety, chemical risk assessment and public health, contributing to evidence-informed policies and to the development of strategies aimed at reducing population exposure to harmful substances while promoting safe, healthy and sustainable food systems.

Candidates are advised to consult the PARC staff exchange guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying. For additional information or to submit an application, please contact mariana [dot] bessainsa [dot] min-saude [dot] pt (mariana[dot]bessa[at]insa[dot]min-saude[dot]pt). Support for matching applicants with appropriate host institutions will be provided by the PARC Task 9.4 team.