Vacancy: Members of the standing committees on evaluation of dangerous substances

This vacancy has been nominated by the Health Council of the Netherlands.

Function and profiles
The Health Council of the Netherlands has three permanent committees and subcommittees that advise on working safely with hazardous substances. The Committee on Health and Occupational Exposure to Substances (GBBS) assesses substances to which workers are exposed at their workplace for adverse health effects. This may lead to a recommendation for an occupational health advisory value. The committee has two subcommittees. The task of the Subcommittee on Classification of Carcinogenic Substances is to assess whether substances, to which workers may be exposed in the workplace, are mutagenic and carcinogenic. The Subcommittee on Classification of Reproductive Toxins assesses the effects of exposure to substances on fertility, offspring development and effects on offspring through lactation. The findings of the subcommittees are based on the wording and classification chosen by the European Union for substances that are carcinogenic or harmful to reproduction.
The recommendations of the GBBS Committee and its two subcommittees serve as a starting point for the legal establishment of a limit value at the workplace by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and inclusion in the formal CMR list of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.

The Health Council of the Netherlands is looking for a candidate for the GBBS Committee:
– An occupational hygienist with experience in workplace chemical exposure assessment and scientific affinity.
– An epidemiologist with experience in reviewing observational studies and an interest in analyzing exposure-response relationships.

The Health Council of the Netherlands is looking for a subcommittee on the classification of reprotoxic substances:
– A general toxicologist with an interest in hazard assessment and reproductive toxicology. Regulatory knowledge in the area of chemical substances (REACH) is an advantage.
– A reproductive toxicologist experienced in performing ‘DART’ tests. Regulatory knowledge in the area of chemical substances (REACH) is an advantage.

Activities, independence and remuneration
You will be a member of the GBBS Committee or the Subcommittee on Classification of Reproductive Toxins. Meeting documents and (draft) opinions are prepared by the scientific secretaries of the commissions. Meetings take place on average 1x per 8-10 weeks, either virtually or in Utrecht. Members receive an attendance fee per meeting and their travel expenses are reimbursed.

Independence of the members is essential for the advice. On the basis of a declaration of interests, candidate Commissioners are screened for possible financial interests, personal relationships that could lead to interests, commission research and public-private partnerships. Declarations of interest by committee members are published on the Health Council’s website.

Application
Please send your application, stating ‘Commission GBBS and subcommittees’, to
GR_sollicitaties@gr.nl
before Friday 25 June at 12.00 p.m., for the attention of dr. S.R. Finch. The interviews will take place in week 26 (28 June – 2 July). More information: dr. S.R. Vink, 06-52781584.