All children deserve a promising start. Most children are doing fine. But some need extra support, because of problems during pregnancy or because they grow up in disadvantaged circumstances, e.g., due to poverty, parental addictions, or psychological problems. In this  multidisciplinary NWA funded project, we will investigate how relevant datasets, collected and/or hosted by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), can be used to support these children and (expectant) parents. Predictive risk models will be used to enable more timely referral to services that meet their needs and to tailor municipal policies to the needs of vulnerable children and (expectant) parents.  We collaborate with parents, practitioners, and municipalities to ensure our research meets their priorities. This collaborative project includes partners from the Department of Public Health (Erasmus MC), the Departments of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology (Erasmus MC), the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, the City of Rotterdam, and a broad range of societal partners

Key responsibilities
You will be the researcher responsible for the development of individual level prediction models for various outcome measures as well as population level forecast models.  Working in the secure environment of Statistics Netherlands, you will manage and prepare the dataset in collaboration with a junior researcher who has solid knowledge of the relevant datasets. You will also oversee setting and safeguarding boundary conditions for responsible and meaningful use of the research data.

You collaborate in a team both locally as well as with the post-docs for this project that are based at the Departments of Public Health, Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology (Erasmus MC). You will publish your results in international peer-reviewed journals. Relevant data science challenges include:

• Handling missing data;
• Ensuring fairness;
• Explainable models;
• Incorporating prior knowledge in predictive models.

The ideal candidate can work independently, but also enjoys working in a team and in accordance to the project goals. You have a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art Data Science research methods and have significant experience with data analysis and machine learning using R and/or Python. To be successful you have:

• A PhD degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistical Science, Social Sciences or Epidemiology with a strong focus on data intensive research methods;
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English are required. Fluency in Dutch is an asset, but not a condition;
• Experience with the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) research environment is a plus;
• Candidates with proven affinity for (population) health research are particularly encouraged to apply.

The position starts by dec 1st 2021. We offer a 0.8-1.0 fte position for 30 months. You will be appointed in accordance  with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 2.790,- to € 4.402,-  gross per month (at 1.0 fte), depending on experience (pay scale 10 VSNU).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential.

Leiden University

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. See the website for more information about LIACS.