Your challenge

We are looking for a PhD student in the field of health technology assessment (HTA)/health economics and cost-effectiveness modelling to study different aspects related to successful implementation of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing in the clinic. By measuring minute amounts of ctDNA in blood plasma via a method called “liquid biopsies”, it now is possible to follow the molecular composition of cancer cells over time. Observational studies have indicated that ctDNA can help to decide ‘who to treat’, ‘how to treat’ and ‘when to treat’. Due to its huge potential, multiple technological platforms to detect ctDNA mutations have been developed over the past year(s), but validation of clinical utility and analysis of cost effectiveness are largely lacking.

In the multidisciplinary COIN project (“ctDNA on the way to implementation in the Netherlands”), led by Prof GA Meijer and Dr. D. van den Broek (NKI/AVL), different aspects related to standardized clinical evaluation and implementation will be addressed. The PhD student will have an active role within the COIN consortium to bring together and harmonize the data from the different observational studies. To address HTA aspects, the PhD student will carry out both qualitative research, consisting of structured interviews with stakeholders and clinical experts, and quantitative research, consisting of a costing study of different ctDNA platforms, the construction of a health-economic modeling framework and carrying out health-economic evaluations in colorectal- and non-small-cell lung cancer, supervised by Veerle Coupé (Decision Modeling Center, Amsterdam UMC) and Valesca Retèl (NKI/AVL).

Your profile

We seek an ambitious PhD student to proactively tackle the project’s research questions. The candidate should have a master degree in one of the following or related disciplines: econometrics, health sciences, health economics, policy & management in health care, industrial engineering, biomedical sciences. Strong commitment, high accuracy, excellent communication skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary research setting is required. Experience with performing statistical analyses (SPSS, Stata or R) and mathematical modeling (Excel, R, Matlab) and previous collaboration with medical professionals is an advantage.

We offer

Salary Scale PHD: 2357 tot 3020 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition we offer:

• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• Your pension premium will be paid by us for 2/3.
• We reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.
For Dutch citizens it is mandatory to provide a VOG (a declaration of good behaviour).

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Your work environment

The department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, 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 is epidemiological, mathematical and cost-effectiveness research of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

You will join a dynamic international research team, and will collaborate with scientists with expertise in different disciplines. You will have the opportunity to follow high-quality courses offered by EpidM and the OOA oncology graduate school throughout your PhD.