The PhD student will perform extensive statistical analyses with data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) and the Doetinchem Cohort Study (DCS) in phase one. The student will actively contribute to the preparation and execution of the concept mapping study in phase two, which includes writing a detailed study protocol, obtaining METC approval and perform the concept mapping study in collaboration with (older) women. The PhD student will report on the project findings in the form of scientific papers and a dissertation and will present results at (inter)national conferences.

• MSc in Health Sciences, (Clinical) Epidemiology, Social Sciences or other related discipline, with a strong focus on epidemiological research;
• excellent (and proven) skills in current statistical techniques in epidemiological research;
• excellent (and proven) ability to communicate in both written and spoken Dutch and English;
• strong scientific motivation;
• good social skills, ability to work independently, but also in a team;
• affinity with older persons.

The appointment will be for a total of 4 years. The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year, extendable up to 4 years.

You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like:
• remuneration of  8,3% end-of-year bonus and  8% holiday allowance;
• solid pension scheme (ABP);
• possibilities to work part-time with a maximum of 0.8 fte;
• a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• generous contribution (65%) commuting allowance based on public transport;
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
• participation in Individual Choices model;
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge. 

The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, and range from a minimum of € 2222,00 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2840,00 gross per month (salary scale 85.0-3) based on a full-time employment and in line with CAO NU. 

The Department of Health Sciences was founded in 2003 to support the Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science programs started in 2002 at the VU. The programs are good examples of an academic training at the crossroads of many disciplines. Tuition and research are provided by academic staff of the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, the Faculty of Psychology and Education, and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

The research program of the Department of Health Sciences has been established in close collaboration with the Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute. The departments research activities are devoted to public health. The definition of public health we use is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals”.