Job University Utrecht, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - PhD researcher Spread of multi-resistant Gram-negative enteric bacteria and MRSA: modelling transmission from animals to human reservoirs (1,0 fte)

Gram-negative bacteria producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) are rapidly emerging in Dutch hospitals and worldwide. Furthermore, livestock associated MRSA is highly prevalent in pig and veal farmers. Nosocomial infections caused by these bacteria are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. ESBLs and LA-MRSA are thought to origin from the agricultural industry, where their occurrence probably results from extensive antibiotic use. Currently, little is known about the occurrence of ESBL related resistance in humans in high risk populations in agriculture, and two studies on interventions to reduce LA-MRSA load have just started.

The current project will combine longitudinal prevalence and incidence ESBL and LA-MRSA surveillance data from ongoing studies in different animal populations, as well as data which will be collected from missing epidemiological niches (i.e. veterinary reservoirs), with mathematical modelling to quantify the interaction between human and veterinary reservoirs. The results of the project will also guide infection prevention strategies for controlling ESBL and LA-MRSA occurrence.

The PhD candidate will co-organize and be involved in field work on exposure to ESBLs and LA-MRSA in homes and stables on pig and veal farms. ESBL and LA-MRSA carrier status over time in relation to activity patterns of the farmer and family members will be analysed using GEE models and penalized spline analysis. Furthermore, the PhD candidate will develop models incorporating the dose-response relations resulting from the spline analyses, to study dynamics of ESBL and LA-MRSA transmission in and between animal and human populations.

 The PhD candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research team with human and veterinary epidemiologists and veterinary microbiologists, originating from UMCU, RIVM, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and IRAS. The activities will include field work, data collection, data analysis and mathematical modelling. The candidate will publish the findings as papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These papers will form the basis of the PhD thesis.

We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate at the MSc level with a background in the field of health sciences, (veterinary) epidemiology, or equivalent training. The candidate should have strong organizational, communication and writing skills (in Dutch and English). We are looking for a team player who is able to work independently. Experience in epidemiological data analysis or occupational health will be an advantage.

Candidates from the European Union are eligible for this position.

The IRAS of Utrecht University can offer you a temporary full-time appointment of one year with the perspective of prolongation with another 3 years. The gross salary starts with € 2,042.- per month in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- per month in the fourth year of employment (salary scale P Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities).

Secondary benefits based on the Collective Labour Agreement  of the Dutch Universities are excellent in general and include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions, and salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year end bonus of 8,3% per year. Travel costs for international conferences are also included.

The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences of Utrecht University is an interfaculty research institute within the faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. The mission of IRAS is to provide education and research on the human health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment, at the workplace and through the food chain.

The research is performed in three divisions

• Environmental Epidemiology (EEPI)
• Toxicology
• Veterinary Public Health

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Prof. dr. Dick Heederik tel. +31 (0)30 253 9480, e-mail: d.heederik@uu.nl  or dr. ir. Marian Bos tel +31 (0)30 253 9527, e-mail m.e.h.bos@uu.nl.