Internship/thesis for MSc student

This internship focuses on HPV vaccination. In the Netherlands, boys and girls receive an invitation for HPV vaccination in the year they turn 10. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the high efficacy of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-related cancer and its precursors.

Adolescents under the age of 18 can still receive the HPV vaccine free of charge, whereas (young) adults must pay for the vaccine themselves. Given the reports on the vaccine's effectiveness against cervical cancer, many women would also like to be vaccinated at a later age. However, women are also screened for cervical cancer from the age of 30. The main research question you will work on is: up to what age is HPV vaccination cost-effective?

As an intern, you will join a motivated team that is also working on HPV-related research. You will work with an HPV transmission and a microsimulation model that are used to simulate HPV transmission, the development of cervical cancer, and the preventative effect of the current cervical cancer screening program. These simulations can be used to estimate both economic and quality-of-life outcomes. The output from these two models will help you answer your research question. 

We encourage you to help define the exact contents of the project and methods to answer your research question. Some literature research will be required to familiarize yourself with the topic and to come up with an detailed research plan. Any remaining time can be spent on additional research questions, writing a scientific paper, or contributing to further development of the models. 

Your main tasks are:

• Defining your research question and methods.
• Becoming familiar with the transmission and microsimulation model.
• Using both models to perform different simulations to answer your research question.
• Effectively communicating and documenting your progress.
• Developing a clear and independent vision within the project.

You are a motivated student with modelling experience and an interest in public health. 

• Currently enrolled in a MSc program in (mathematical/computational) biology, biostatistics or closely related field.
• Modelling skills and programming experience, preferably in R (other languages like C++ or Python are a plus).
• Clear interest in the field of biomedical or public health research.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.