PhD in diagnostic test evaluation and research methodology

About your role

As a PhD candidate, you take an active role in designing and conducting methodological research projects within your PhD trajectory.

Your work includes:

• collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research data;
• conducting methodological studies, evidence syntheses and systematic reviews;
• preparing scientific manuscripts, reports and conference presentations;
• collaborating with researchers on reporting guidelines and diagnostic research methodology;
• participating in training programmes and workshops offered by the Amsterdam UMC doctoral school.

Each PhD trajectory aims to result in 3 to 5 peer-reviewed international publications.

The projects focus on a broad range of medical tests, including biomarkers, imaging tests, questionnaires, and other diagnostic tools. Research may involve different disease areas, although both projects build on previous work in liver disease. There is ample opportunity to incorporate your own interests, for example in specific test types, methodological approaches, or disease domains.

You are an analytical and motivated researcher with an interest in improving the quality and integrity of medical research.

You also have:

• a master’s degree in Medicine, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, (Bio) statistics or a related field;
• experience with statistical analyses and software such as R;
• strong communication skills and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration;
• an independent, proactive and creative working style;
• excellent spoken and written English skills. Dutch language skills are an advantage but not required.

Previous experience with literature reviews, data analysis, qualitative research or scientific publishing is an advantage, but not essential.

• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross or if you hold a Master’s degree in Medicine, you will be appointed in salary scale 10: € 3.598 to € 5.669 gross per month 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.