Current 'one-size fits- all' treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unsuccessful in improving patient prognosis. Rational treatments are suggested but have not yet been tailored to the individual. This translational project incorporates predictive information from cutting-edge fundamental research using patient-derived stem cells 'brain-on-a-dish' in-silico models with innovative single patient trial (i.e. N-of-1 trial) methodology, with the ultimate goal to translate our findings to novel treatment implementations for children with ASD.

As a PhD candidate, your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Perform Bayesian network analysis of existing evidence from ASD trials in literature.
• Perform Bayesian re-analysis of a successful recently completed randomized controlled trial in children with ASD testing a new treatment (bumetanide).
• Develop the statistical protocol and methods for the aggregated N-of-1 trials design in the NewTDec consortium and analyse the trial data.
• Co-write the aggregated N-of-1 trial manuscript and prepare for publication.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with:

• A Master's degree in a field related to biomedical sciences and/or psychology.
• Affinity for complex statistical analysis and/or Bayesian modelling related to neuroscience.
• Interest in complex data analysis and pushing the boundaries of research through technology driven applications.
• Experience with complex statistical models and biostatistics is a plus.
• A flexible, pro-active team spirit but you can also work independently.
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• We offer a contract for 4 years after a trial period of 12 months.
• Intending start date: 1 December 2019.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

This joint project will be performed at Amsterdam UMC (Department of Psychiatry - Dr. Hilgo Bruining research group) as well as the Radboudumc (Department of Health Evidence - Prof. Gert Jan van der Wilt research group). At these places, you will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in Bayesian statistical analysis, conductance of clinical trials, health technology assessment, cell biology, neuroscience and clinical neurology and psychiatry.

The project is funded by an NWO-NWA-ORC grant (New, rational therapy decisions for developmental brain disorders: Integrating quantitative patient assessment, cellular assays and nanotechnology (NewTDec)) and embedded in the following research institutes: UMC Amsterdam, Twente University and the Radboud Institute for Health Sciences. People of the consortium are: Prof. Matthijs Verhage, Dr. Hilgo Bruining, Dr. Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen, Dr. Niels Cornelisse, Dr. Niels Tas, Prof. Gert Jan van der Wilt.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.