Project description

Multi-state models are finding increased application in medical research. They allow a detailed view of the disease or recovery process of a patient, and they can be used to obtain prediction probabilities of future events, after a given event history.

The offered position will involve developing novel statistical methods for the analysis of competing risks and multi-state models.  Particular big emphasis will be given to new methodologies needed for modeling disease progression in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting.  Among the new methods to be explored: causal inference, correction for time dependent confounding, prediction for non Markov models.

The offered position is a shared position between the Department of Mathematics of Utrecht University (50%) and the University Medical Center of Utrecht (50%). Hence, the student will work along with researchers from the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (UMCU) and with physicians of the ICU, in order to build up models of medical relevance.

Prerequisites

We are seeking a candidate with a Master’s degree in Mathematics or a Master’s degree in Statistics and a strong affinity for mathematics. You have experience with programming languages, including statistical programming languages.

Good communication skills in both written and spoken English are also essential.

General information

You will be offered a full-time position for four years. The gross monthly salary will amount to EUR 2.146,- in the first year to EUR 2.744,- in the fourth year (P-scale of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities). It is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition Utrecht University offers a pension scheme and a partially paid parental leave.

Deadline for application

February 23, 2018

Latest starting date

September 1, 2018

How to apply

Please submit the following material:

a cover letter including an explanation why you consider pursuing a Ph.D. in multi-state modelling,  your curriculum vitae, a list of all courses taken for your bachelor’s and master’s degrees together with grades, your master’s thesis, names, contact information, and e-mail addresses of  two academic referees.

Contact

Cristian Spitoni,  email: C.Spitoni@uu.nl