The PhD candidate will apply a wide range of methods to assess the association between the timing and quality of dementia diagnosis and healthcare utilization (quantitative registry-based analyses and decision analytic modeling), and explore preferences and needs of people with dementia and their caregivers regarding post-diagnostic support interventions (semi-structured interviews, discrete choice experiment). A group of co-researchers consisting of people living with dementia and their caregivers will collaborate with the researchers in the complete cycle of the project.

• MSc in Health Economics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Sciences or a closely related discipline;
• proficient in Dutch;
• demonstrable interest in and affinity with the fields of dementia and cost-effectiveness research;
• affinity with and openness to citizen engagement in research;
• previous knowledge of statistical software such as R is an advantage;
• previous experience with qualitative research is an advantage;
• excellent command of written and spoken English;
• excellent communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team;
• proactivity and independence.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 12 months. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• space for personal development
• the possibility to work partly from home

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Department of Health Sciences
The research at the Department of Health Sciences aims to improve public health, which is defined as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals”. Our research is embedded in the Amsterdam Public Health and Amsterdam Movement Sciences institutes. In addition, the department is responsible for the BSc and MSc programs Health Sciences. This PhD position will be embedded in the Health Technology Assessment section. The section is involved in methodological as well as applied studies in a wide variety of clinical areas including dementia research.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Alzheimer Center Amsterdam
This project will be executed in collaboration with Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC. Alzheimer Center Amsterdam stands for distinctive patient care and high-quality scientific research in the field of dementia following the mission to make dementia discussable, treatable, and ultimately curable. With approximately 100 employees, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam is a part of the Neurology department at Amsterdam UMC, VUmc location.