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PhD student Risk-based screening models for cervical cancer prevention
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious PhD candidate to model the impact of risk-based screening for the prevention of cervical cancer. The aim is to inform the screening policy in the Netherlands and other European countries.
- Hours: 36 uur per week
- Location: Locatie AMC
- Contract type: fixed-term
- Salary: € 3.017 - € 3.824
- React until: 17 July 2024
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The project
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The link between HPV and cervical cancer has led to two major innovations in preventive health care: HPV vaccination and HPV-based screening. With the influx of HPV-vaccinated women into population-based cervical cancer screening and the emergence of new, molecular screening techniques, there is an urgent need to reconsider the screening program. Instead of traditional “one-size-fits-all” screening programs, risk-based screening programs are being developed that take vaccination status, viral and host cell features, screening history, and time trends in HPV prevalence into account in screening invitation and triage policies, in order to reduce the harms of screening and better protect high-risk women.
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About your role
As a PhD student, you will be involved in the model-based assessment of risk-based screening strategies for cervical cancer prevention. You will contribute to the further development of our statistical and mathematical HPV modelling framework, and apply simulation studies to weigh the costs, harms and health benefits of screening to identify equitable, acceptable and cost-effective strategies. You will work closely together with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the European partners of the EU Horizon 2020 project RISCC.
Your main responsibilities are:
- To further develop HPV disease models;
- To calibrate simulation models to latest data on the epidemiology of HPV and cervical cancer;
- To analyse the impact of screening for cervical cancer in HPV-vaccine eligible cohorts;
- To contribute to the concept and methodology of risk-based screening;
- To publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
- To write a PhD thesis for defence at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
About you
We are looking for an econometrician, health economist, statistician or epidemiologist with strong analytical and programming skill and a strong interest in public health. You will be appointed within the Epidemiology and Data Science department of Amsterdam UMC, which aims to bring research and healthcare to a higher level through novel methodological contributions. Specifically, you have:
- A MSc degree in econometrics, health economics, computational biology, biostatistics, epidemiology or related field;
- Programming experience, preferably in R and C++;
- Proven interest in the field of biomedical or public health research;
- Good communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Our offer
- A flying start to your career in scientific research.
- Plenty of room for personal development with a wide range of training & development of academic skills
- Working on large-scale and own research, with motivated colleagues
- A contract for 6 months with the prospect of extension for the duration of the project.
- Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross (based on a fulltime workweek), depending on qualifications and experience and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here.
- Vacation hours: 186,4 per year and an option to save additional hours.
- Your pension is accrued at BeFrank. A modern, understandeble en fair pension
- Excellent accessibility with public transportation and reimbursement of a large portion of your travel expenses. Additionally, we have plenty of parking spaces at the AMC location and a good bicycle scheme.
About your workplace
AMC Medical Research (AMR) is located at the AMC location. AMR supports scientific research in non-profit settings. AMR provides researchers with everything they need to excel.For example, AMR offers principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders guidance in the areas of project management, finance and human resources. Legal support is also provided for medical-scientific research projects. Watch the video below for more information.
The department of Epidemiology and Data Science at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers supports and initiates biomedical, epidemiological and biostatistical research. The department also coordinates the epidemiology and statistics courses for bachelor and master students. One of the main research topics at the department is disease modelling and health-economic evaluation of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where developing one’s talents and academic skills are encouraged. We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training, and a place to grow!
Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy. Check out our approach to diversity and inclusion.
What to expect
A job in our beautiful capital city
Working for the favorite employer in healthcare (intermediary 2021)
All colleagues have the same goal: contributing to tomorrow’s care
There is room for development, deepening and broadening of your knowledge
An active staff association that organizes fun activities and arranges discounts on products and services for you
Amsterdam UMC innovates continuously, which requires a flexible attitude from everyone
Two large locations, good for your pedometer!
You have more than 19.000 colleagues, not all of whom you will get to know personally
Meet your colleagues Watch video’s of your future colleagues
Tullip
Amsterdam UMC
Let’s meet!
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
Would you like more information about the position? Please contact:
- Prof. dr. J. (Hans) Berkhof via +31(0)204444909 or h.berkhof@amsterdamumc.nl or
- Dr. J.A. (Hans) Bogaards via j.bogaards@amsterdamumc.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring test 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 is not appreciated.