PhD in Mathematical Modelling of Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhoea

Project Overview

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges worldwide. This PhD project focuses on the within-host emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. 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. Findings will contribute to the broader RESIST project, aimed at improving understanding of resistant gonorrhoea and supporting strategies to limit its spread.

• 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

• a completed MSc degree, or 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 ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• excellent command of English, both written and spoken

• Employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV; based at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam)
• Contract:
  
  12 months, with intention to extend for a total of four years. Guideline PhD contract applies
• Salary scale OIO: €3,108 to €3,939 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary
• Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and possibility to save additional hours
• 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car)
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension