Scientist for Health Risk Assessment of Biocidal Active Ingredients (f/m/d)

The following position is available immediately in the Division Pesticide Safety of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR):

Scientist for Health Risk Assessment of Biocidal Active Ingredients (f/m/d)

The BfR independently prepares expert opinions and statements on issues of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally recognised scientific evaluation criteria. It advises the Federal Government and other institutions and interest groups in these areas. The BfR thus makes an important contribution to the protection of human health.

The position is within the expert group“Toxicology of Active Substances and Their Metabolites”. Further information on the expert group’s area of responsibility can be found here on our website.

The position is temporary in accordance with the German Act on Fixed-Term Contracts in Science (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz). The possibility of conversion to a permanent position (tenure-track) is offered, subject to a successful probationary period and the availability of budgetary funds.

Tasks

Within the EU procedures for evaluation of active ingredients, the approval of plant protection products and biocidal products, and the procedures for setting maximum residue limits, the BfR is responsible for the assessment of consumer health protection. As part of its statutory duties, the BfR is responsible, among other things, for evaluating the toxicology of biocidal active ingredients. Specifically, the duties include:

• Independent review and evaluation of documentation and relevant scientific literature on the toxicology and metabolism of active ingredients and impurities, as well as their degradation products
• Assessment of active ingredients with regard to their effects on the endocrine system
• Developing and reviewing proposals for classification and labeling within the newly established hazard category for endocrine-disrupting properties
• Derivation of health-based guidance values; assessment of the toxicological relevance of impurities 
• Conceptual work on the risk assessment of substances that affect the endocrine system 
• Representation of the BfR in the relevant national and international bodies

Your Profile

• Completed University degree (Master’s, Diplom, or a comparable university degree) in toxicology, chemistry, biology, nutritional sciences, medicine, or a  comparable  field
• PhD/Doctorate
• Demonstration of advanced knowledge in toxicology, e.g., through a relevant degree, completed continuing education, and/or prior research 
• Knowledge in the field of endocrine-disrupting properties / endocrinology and reproductive toxicology
• Willingness to pursue further training in connection with the above-mentioned responsibilities
• Very good command of English (at least C1 level) and good command of German (at least B1 level), both spoken and written
• A conscientious and thorough approach to work, flexibility, the ability to work well in a team, and resilience

For foreign educational qualifications, proof of equivalence to a German degree is required (see: anabin.kmk.org). The proof must be provided in German or English.

Desired

• Professional experience in one of the above-mentioned areas
• Experience in preparing proposals for the classification and labeling of substances and/or in drafting toxicological assessment reports 
• Enjoyment of a scientific approach to work

What we can offer you

• As a family-friendly institution, we offer various part-time work arrangements
• Flexible work hours with no core working hours
• 30 days’ annual leave (5-day week) plus 24 and 31 December as non-working days
• Option to take additional compensatory days off if you have accumulated time credit
• Attractive subsidy for the company ticket (Deutschlandticket)
• Possibility of hybrid working (up to 60 % remote)
• Very good connection to the public transport network
• Comprehensive further training opportunities for professional and personal development
• VBL company pension / Capital accumulation benefits
• Employee welfare (AWO) family service

Application process

Does this position appeal to you?

Then please apply by 23.08.2026 via our job portal.

Please direct any questions in connection 
with the application process to
[email protected].
(Please do not send applications to this e-mail address)

Please address any questions about the area of responsibility to:

Dr. Kneuer: T +49 30 18412-76300
Email:  [email protected] 

Dr. Rudzok: T +49 30 18412-76302
Email:  [email protected]

For more information, please visit our website: 
bfr.bund.de/de/karriere

The BfR welcomes applications from people of all nationalities.
As an innovative scientific institution, the BfR offers family-friendly working conditions. For this, the BfR has been awarded the “audit berufundfamilie®” certificate. The BfR ensures equality between women and men. People with severe disabilities are given special consideration when equally qualified; only a minimum level of physical fitness is required of them.