You will be developing statistical and machine learning algorithms for risk prediction and to efficiently determine the optimal screening strategy based on an individual's age, sex and risk among more than 200,000 possible screening strategies. Subsequently, you will implement this algorithm in colorectal cancer screening to guide policy in the Netherlands and beyond on the benefits, harms and costs of individualized cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Europe and other developed countries. Fortunately, early detection or screening has been proven to effectively prevent colorectal cancers and colorectal cancer death. In response, many countries have decide to offer colorectal cancer screening to their population to reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease. However, screening also poses serious harms, such as false-positive test results and overdiagnosis. We therefore have the continuous responsibility to try and improve the benefits of screening and reducing its harms.

As part of the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET), Erasmus MC collaborates with a group of cancer modelers throughout the world to advance the field of cancer screening. Within this network, you will use the world-leading MISCAN-Colon microsimulation model evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different screening strategies and develop statistical and machine learning algorithms to efficiently determine the optimal strategy. You will use the results to advise national and international government institutes about the optimal way to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer screening across the world. This project will allow you to gain experience with a broad range of quantitative research methods, applied to addressing a highly relevant societal challenge among all developed countries in the world, potentially resulting in significant health impact. The project enables you to collaborate with an international research team that includes a comprehensive mixture of relevant backgrounds, including econometrics, decision modeling, biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, and clinical practice.

• The position is offered to MSc graduates in Econometrics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Theoretical Biology, Theoretical Psychology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Bio-informatics, or a related field.
• Key skills that the candidate will be developing and working with are quantitative analysis, scientific communication (oral and written), programming, and working in a team.
• The department further highly supports the candidates who want to further develop their skills in acquisition, multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership, goal-oriented working, creativity, initiative, engagement, vision, and visibility.

We offer the opportunity for candidates to deepen their affinity with quantitative research and acquire further experience in advanced data analysis, modelling, and writing of scientific papers.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.789,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• Working from home is an option.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in
  November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Erasmus MC

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. That is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

At the Department of Public Health, we are dedicated to improve population health at local, national, and international level through excellent research and education. Our research is characterized as highly multidisciplinary and is focused on the development and use of innovative methods. Collaboration with and direct impact on practice and policy are at the heart of our work.

The screening research group is involved in a large number of projects investigating the effectiveness of screening to prevent cancer or death from cancer. The aim of our work is to quantify the favourable and unfavourable effects of screening for a wide range of diseases to guide public health policy and help individuals make an informed choice about screening participation. Our department has a high reputation in this field, both among national policy makers (Ministry of Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)) as well as internationally (United States National Cancer Institute, European Commission).

At Erasmus MC, you can be a part of a dedicated team with a high level of expertise that is working hard to improve and renew the health care of today and the public health of tomorrow. We provide opportunities to work with a broad range of quantitative research methods and develop further skills - all in a vibrant, friendly and collaborative working environment.
If you think this is for you, we encourage you to apply.