PhD position: data analysis in the RSV vaccine field

For the RSV GOLD Health Economics study, an international research project on the economic burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in low- and lower-middle income countries, we are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic PhD student.

Job description
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Globally, it is estimated that 48000-74500 children aged younger than five years died in-hospital with RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection in 2015. About 99% of RSV-related childhood mortality occurs in developing countries. Children with underlying comorbidities such as premature birth, congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease are at increased risk for severe or even fatal RSV infection.
There is currently no RSV vaccine available, although there are several vaccine and monoclonal antibody candidates under clinical development. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, an international organization that invests in vaccines to protect children’s lives and health in low- and lower-middle income countries (LMICs), has prioritized RSV interventions, including both maternal vaccine and monoclonal antibodies, as one of the six prioritized vaccine programs as part of GAVI VIS for the 2021-2025 funding period.
The majority of GAVI eligible countries have sparse or no individual patient data to make decisions on target populations for RSV interventions when these become available in the next 5-10 years. In addition, identifying the economic impact of a disease can support evidence-based decision-making for health care investments. Hence, cost data are needed to evaluate the financial impact of the burden of acute viral respiratory infections, particularly RSV, in LMICs, the healthcare system and society as a whole.
Therefore, we recently started the RSV GOLD – Health Economics Study
As the PhD candidate for this study, you will be studying the costs of acute respiratory infections associated with RSV infection among children being hospitalized or being seen at the outpatient clinic in GAVI eligible countries.
Additionally you will participate in a multidisciplinary team, attend weekly meetings, provide presentations of your research both during these meetings and at (international) conferences, and supervise students.
This job is based on a temporary position for 4 years.
Specifications

• max. 36 hours per week
• max. €3336 per month
• Utrecht View on Google Maps

University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht)

Requirements
We are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic candidate with a Master’s degree in biostatistics/medical statistics/theoretical biology or proven expertise in mathematical modeling/biostatistics, as well as programming skills in R or Python, and a clear interest in biomedical research. Excellent communication skills are required to work in this dynamic and multidisciplinary research team.
Conditions of employment
The maximum salary for this position (36 – 36 hours) is € 3.336,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.
In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).
Department
The PhD candidate will work within the RSV research group, which is part of the pediatric infectious diseases department at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital in Utrecht. Within the research group we are engaged in clinical-translational research in to the pathophysiology, epidemiology and consequences of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. The RSV research group consists of Louis Bont (group leader), 4 post-docs and 10-15 PhD students.
You will be embedded in the RSV research group and supervised by dr. Natalie Mazur and prof. Louis Bont. You will work with Neele Rave, PhD candidate, on a daily basis. You will work closely with the team of Clint Pecenka at PATH, Seattle, Washington, United States.
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