The position
The Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), in close collaboration with the Amsterdam UMC (location AMC) Department of Global Health and the Division of Infectious Diseases, is seeking a PhD student to coordinate an ongoing observational cohort study into comorbidity and ageing among HIV-infected and -uninfected individuals, the AGEhIV Cohort Study (www.agehiv.nl). This study is a collaboration between several AMC departments, GGD Amsterdam and the Stichting HIV Monitoring. Central to the research is to assess the possibly premature and accelerated onset of a range of comorbidities, including those typically associated with ageing, in HIV-infected compared to HIVuninfected persons. In addition the project aims to identify potentially underlying pathogenic pathways and biomarkers, including those reflecting inflammation and ageing, in close collaboration with partners in various AMC and external labs. A COVID-19 substudy has been incorporated into the main study in the course of 2020. AGEhIV Cohort participants are recruited and followed within the AMC HIV outpatient clinic and at the GGD Amsterdam.

Main tasks & responsibilities
Most research tasks will take place in the AMC, but regular travel to and contact with investigators outside AMC, including GGD Amsterdam, is required. Tasks will also include appropriately informing HIV-positive participants’ HIV physicians of notable findings which may require clinical attention; to provide assistance to study staff at GGD Amsterdam in informing GP’s and taking action for similar findings as required in HIV-negative participants.

• Cohort participant assessments and data collection primarily at the AMC
• Protocol-writing for additional data collection and/or secondary data analysis within the existing cohort study
• Obtaining and maintaining relevant ethical approvals
• Coordinating laboratory testing of biological specimens in specialized laboratories in the AMC and elsewhere where relevant
• Maintaining close contact with all relevant investigators and study teams, including at GGD Amsterdam
• Statistical analysis in collaboration with supporting epidemiologists/statisticians
• Reporting and presenting results in study reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications

• Highly motivated PhD student with a master’s degree in medicine
• Experience in practicing clinical medicine (e.g. as ANIOS or AIOS), preferably in the field of Internal
• Medicine or at least with a strong interest in Internal Medicine
• Special interest in, experience with and/or background knowledge of HIV medicine and/or prior experience in clinical research and data analysis are each considered an advantage
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Good ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Able to communicate and write in Dutch and English
• Expected to produce a PhD dissertation within four years

Fixed-term contract: Four years.

AIGHD offers an excellent job opportunity in a cutting edge working environment in global health and development and a salary in line with prevailing sector standards. AIGHD has a fulltime workweek of 40 hours, 25 days leave annually, an attractive collective pension plan and a very comprehensive collective health insurance scheme. The position is based at the AMC in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Institute for Global Health & Development (AIGHD)

The Amsterdam Institute for Global Health & Development (AIGHD) is a research and education institute with a mission to address challenges in global health and development by conducting collaborative interdisciplinary research, generating insights and solutions, and educating the next generation of global health leaders. AIGHD conducts collaborative, interdisciplinary research prioritizing infectious disease elimination, antimicrobial drug resistance, chronic care & ageing, urbanization & health, health markets, and economics of human development. It aims to educate and inspire the next generation of global health leaders at undergraduate, post-graduate and professional levels to shape a healthier and more prosperous future for all. AIGHD aspires to accelerate progress on global health objectives by sharing knowledge and insights with global agencies, governments, NGOs, and the scientific community