PhD Position - Developing methods multi-disease test evaluation

Job description

Background and Challenge

In healthcare, numerous "multi-disease tests" are quickly appearing. They aim to identify multiple diseases using one blood sample or medical image. These tests can find diseases early, before symptoms develop. However, they often produce false positives, indicating disease when none is present. Although methods exist to balance early diagnosis benefits and false positive risks for single disease tests, such methods are not available for multi-disease tests.

In the MERIT project, we will develop new quantitative appraisal methods for multi-disease tests. These methods will guide policymakers and physicians in making informed choices about acquiring and applying these novel tests. Through this research, you will contribute to the healthcare of the future.

You are an enthusiastic researcher driven by curiosity and:

• Have an affinity with statistical or mathematical modeling, and (some) programming experience, preferably in R or Python;
• Have, or will shortly acquire, a quantitative master's degree (for example, in Health Economics, Econometrics, Technical Medicine, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Statistics, or Computer Sciences);
• Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment;
• Possess good communication skills and are proficient in English, both spoken and written. Dutch proficiency is not required but considered an advantage.

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059 (first year) to € 3.881 (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Contact: h.koffijberg, m.m.leeflang