Pim de Voogt conducts research on the occurrence, behaviour and effects of new substances in aquatic ecosystems. He uses sophisticated analytical equipment, such as high-resolution/accurate mass spectrometry linked to various separation systems, in order to determine the identity of newly discovered water-borne substances. He also uses this equipment to study water cycle processes such as degradation, sorption and bioaccumulation. De Voogt analyses the effects of new environmental contaminants on water and soil organisms. He combines bioassay assessment with the chemical fractionation of field samples to more effectively search for unknown substances.

De Voogt's research on the traces of medicines and narcotic substances in sewage water has been the focus of much media attention over the past few years. His work on perfluorinated compounds – substances that are used to make paper, textile and leather water and dirt resistant but which eventually end up in our blood through the environment and our diet – has also featured prominently in the media.

De Voogt has worked at the UvA since 1992. He has served as professor by special appointment of Chemistry of (Emerging) Water Contaminants at the UvA's Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) since 2008. De Voogt also serves as principal researcher at the KWR Watercycle Research Institute's Chemical Water Quality and Health Department. He is currently a member of SCHER, the European Union's Scientific Committee for Health and Environmental Risks, and was previously a member of the Dutch Soil Protection Committee and various working groups of the Dutch Health Council.