PhD Student Evidence Synthesis of Clinical Trials and Artificial Intelligence

The PhD project will focus on evidence synthesis of randomized clinical trials investigating disease-modifying treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

As part of this project, you will conduct a living systematic literature review and network meta-analysis, incorporating both aggregate and individual patient data from ALS clinical trials. A key objective will be to conduct a component network meta-analysis to help prioritize – or de-prioritize – therapeutic drug classes for ALS. Advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence and large language models, will be used to automate and validate data extraction and to assist with drug classification.

Additional work may involve the development of quality and reporting guidelines for ALS clinical trials, such as ALS-specific extensions to the CONSORT guidelines. You will collaborate closely with international experts in clinical trials, evidence synthesis, medical statistics, and ALS pathophysiology. The project is expected to span 3 to 4 years and will culminate in a PhD dissertation.

• You have a Master's degree (MSc) in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, (Bio)statistics with a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• You are proactive, accurate, and demonstrate initiative, with a broad interest in clinical trials, drug development, and evidence synthesis.
• Experience in (quantitative) medical research and data analysis is expected, and prior involvement in systematic reviews or evidence synthesis is considered an advantage.
• You have strong communication and project management skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. For research physicians, proficiency in Dutch is also required.

Application
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a motivation letter with in the same file one scientific product (e.g., a research master’s thesis or a published article). In your motivation letter, clearly describe your role in the scientific product.

The Brain division of the UMC Utrecht consists of six care pathways. Instead of being organized by departments and medical specialties, these care pathways are structured around highly specialized patient groups and their associated research lines. Within this research group, the primary focus is on studying the neuromuscular disease ALS. This group is recognized as a global leader in ALS research. In addition, clinical (drug) trials are conducted, both sponsor-initiated and investigator-initiated. The ALS Center Netherlands is one of the largest ALS clinics world-wide and conducts high-impact research projects including genetics, phenotyping, imaging, lifestyle/environmental risk factors of ALS and trial methodology.

You will work in a dynamic and esteemed team of researchers and clinicians, and participate in high-impact research projects related to ALS. For Research Physicians, there is an opportunity to work on the outpatient clinic and trial unit.