As the successful candidate for this position, you will be studying various methodological approaches (designs and types of data analyses) that best suit the evaluation of different types of diagnostic tests or algorithms (models). You will be participating in our research program of diagnostic test or algorithm research. Diagnostic tests and algorithms are developed and evaluated to determine whether they can detect or predict in an individual patient the probability of having a certain disease or health disorder. Individualized diagnosis forms the essence of personalized medicine. New promising and exciting diagnostic tests or algorithms enter the market almost on a daily basis. Additionally, we observe transitions from hospital to primary care, and a rapid increase in eHealth innovations, medical apps, big data and artificial intelligence approaches, Ideally, medical devices only enter the market once there is evidence of its positive effects on the patient’s health or on the healthcare system at large. The merely one-size-fits-all pathway to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness for medical drugs has been established for decades. For diagnostic tests this methodological pathway is much less strict or clear. New European-wide regulation (the so-called MDR and IVDR) demands more rigorous evaluations of diagnostic devices, but there will not be a methodological one-size-fits-all approach. Different types of tests may require a different methodological evaluation pathway. This exploration will the core of your PhD research.  Specific research questions include: what type of research and evidence is desired for different types of diagnostic tests or algorithms? How to evaluate the impact or effectiveness of diagnostic tests or algorithms without having to perform large scale randomized studies?

Applicants for this position should have an MSc in epidemiology/clinical epidemiology, health technology assessment, in biomedical or health sciences, or in biostatistics. You demonstrate a keen interest in the methodology of clinical research and are capable of working in teams and communicating about your ideas with peers. Fluency in written and spoken English is required, and fluency in Dutch is an advantage.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.196,00 gross per month based on full-time employment. The starting salary will be OIO scale step 0 €2.495,-.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Department of Epidemiology

In this position, you will work and be supervised in the Department of Epidemiology as part of the Methods of Epidemiological Research team and Cochrane Netherlands, in the Julius Center at the UMC Utrecht. This group evaluates and develops new research methods focusing on prediction model and intervention research. You will be part of an energetic, enthusiastic team of more than 40 PhD researchers from different backgrounds. The Julius Center has an extensive national and international network.