PhD in Mathematical Modelling of Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhoea
The RESIST project addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. NG is among the few pathogens that has developed resistance to every first-line antibiotic used against it. Treatment failures with current first-line therapies have already been reported.
This PhD project focuses on the within-host emergence of antimicrobial resistance. You will investigate how resistance develops within individuals, with specific attention to differences between anatomical sites, where antibiotic exposure and interactions with commensal Neisseria species may vary.
By combining mathematical modelling with microbiological and epidemiological data from Dutch sexual health clinics, you will identify key mechanisms that drive resistance emergence. Your findings will contribute to the broader RESIST project, which aims to improve our understanding of resistant gonorrhoea and support strategies to limit its spread.
Would you like to find out more about the various phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more information on this page.
As a PhD candidate, you will develop innovative modelling approaches to better understand the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhoea infections. You will work closely with experts from multiple disciplines and contribute to research with direct relevance for public health policy and infectious disease control.
Your responsibilities include:
- developing a within-host mathematical model of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection;
- calibrating and validating the model using microbiological data;
- analysing longitudinal data from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies to investigate how antimicrobial resistance develops within individuals over time;
- publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting results at scientific conferences;
- collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of modellers, epidemiologists, microbiologists and behavioural scientists.
We are looking for a motivated and analytical researcher with a strong interest in infectious diseases, public health and mathematical modelling. You have:
- a completed MSc degree, or are close to completing one, in epidemiology, applied mathematics, computational biology, data science or a related field;
- programming experience, preferably in R;
- experience working with large and complex datasets;
- strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment;
- an excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV and based at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam).
- A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
- Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here. As of 1 July 2026, the salary will be increased by 3.5% in accordance with the collective labor agreement (CAO UMC).
- Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
- 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
You will be appointed within the department of Infectious Diseases at GGD Amsterdam. As the largest municipal public health service in the Netherlands, GGD Amsterdam serves approximately 900,000 residents in Amsterdam and surrounding municipalities. Its mission is to protect and promote public health, reduce health inequalities and support societal participation.
Within the department of Infectious Diseases, you will join the Research and Prevention Development team. This multidisciplinary team consists of approximately 20 professionals, including PhD candidates, research nurses, data managers and senior researchers.
The team conducts leading epidemiological and social science research on HIV, sexually transmitted infections and other infectious diseases. You will work in a collaborative and supportive environment with ample opportunities for scientific development and close collaboration with academic and public health partners.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the video to find out more.
Please note that applications will be reviewed by a joint selection committee from Amsterdam UMC and GGD Amsterdam.
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Janneke Heijne, head of Research and Prevention Development, department of Infectious Diseases, GGD Amsterdam at jheijne@ggd.amsterdam.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.
