The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) holds an active epidemiological research line within the Generation R Study. This research line is aimed at identifying environmental, lifestyle and biological factors influencing oral health outcomes with the aim of developing effective strategies for improving oral health.

The project you will be working on as a PhD student focuses on investigating the determinants of developing caries from childhood to young adulthood and translating these risk factors into successful oral health prevention measures. Research has identified a variety of factors that are associated with increased risk for developing dental caries, including genetic and non-genetic determinants. Although preventable, dental caries remains one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide among all age groups, with preventive measures failing to reduce the continuous rise in the incidence of dental caries worldwide. Moreover, socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries prevalence have been on the rise globally. This suggests that the development of oral disease patterns across populations and over time has not been sufficiently understood in order to develop effective preventive strategies.

This research project focuses on investigating the biological, behavioral, psychological, social and environmental influences along the life-course that hold a long-term impact on oral health outcomes, particularly dental caries. The aim of this study is to explore dental caries trajectories of individuals to pinpoint critical age periods where interventions can modify the onset of caries. On the long-term, results of this study will enable the development of tailored preventive oral health programs. These programs will target scientifically-proven risk groups and behaviors in the population, but importantly, will also take into consideration the importance of time (duration) and timing of exposures leading to oral disease development.

• You have completed a university (bio-)medical education (or comparable degree) with an interest in Epidemiology and Public Health, including demonstrable skills and experience with scientific writing and research methods.
• Command of (advanced) skills in statistics and statistical programs is a strong advantage.
• You are ambitious, able to work independently to take initiatives.
• Analytical thinking skills and a good command of English, both oral and written, are needed to conduct the researchproject.
• Affinity with dentistry and dental public health is recommended.

We aim for you to become a high-quality, independent researcher by offering you enrolment in a master's program in epidemiology, (international) conference visits and easily accessible contact and supervision of (co)promotors and experienced PhD students.

You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.495,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.196,- in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC.

Erasmus MC

At the Erasmus MC, we are working hard to improve today's healthcare and tomorrow's health. Pioneering, pushing boundaries and leading the way to become the first technologically-innovating medical center in The Netherlands. Erasmus MC holds a prominent position in research, education and patient care. We work with the latest equipment, techniques and care processes in a state-of-the-art building.

The Generation R Research studies the growth and development of nearly 10,000 children from the early fetal phase to young adulthood. This project also investigates which environmental factors influence the development of good oral health. Longitudinally collected data, genetic and imaging techniques (2D, 3D, fluorescence and X-ray) are used in adolescents.

You will work within the research group "Oral and Craniofacial Health" of the department. The current team consists of health scientists, epidemiologists, dentists, doctors and pharmacologists. Together we work to improve oral health by conducting high-quality, fundamental and translational scientific research.