PhD prevention models of virus-related cancers

19 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Amsterdam UMC

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

1 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Country

Netherlands

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This PhD position is in the field of cancer prevention. About one in eight cancers worldwide is attributable to an infectious cause, and many of these cancers are preventable by vaccination or screening plus treatment at an early (precancerous) stage.
To decrease the burden of infection-related cancers, the EU has funded a Joint Action initiative – entitled SHIELD – which aims to devise a comprehensive and effective prevention programme throughout the European continent. Within this initiative, Amsterdam UMC leads the task to map the burden of cancers attributable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) across Europe, and to evaluate the impact and the cost-effectiveness of preventive measures. The focus is on vulnerable and underserved groups facing heightened risks and limited access to healthcare.
As a PhD student, you will be involved in the further development of a general framework for impact and cost-effectiveness assessments, such as semi-Markov models linked to disease transmission models. The framework builds on existing models but these must be adapted to account for differences in epidemiology and disease burden between regions and relevant populations, and allow for impact comparisons between different vaccination and screening strategies in high-risk groups (e.g. sexual minorities and migrant populations).
Your main tasks are to:

• develop a general framework for impact and cost-effectiveness evaluations of preventive measures against HBV and HPV;
• perform an impact comparison between countries with different HBV and HPV vaccination and screening programmes;
• evaluate how screening strategies are related to vaccination coverage at a population level, and assess additional measures for vulnerable groups;
• contribute to the overall goals and objectives of SHIELD;
• publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• write a PhD thesis for defence at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/357829/phd-prevention-models-of-virus-…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

You are a computational biologist, biostatistician, econometrician or health economist with strong modelling and programming skills and an interest in public health. You have the following expertise:

• MSc degree in (mathematical or computational) biology, (bio)statistics, econometrics or closely related field;
• modelling skills and programming experience, preferably in R and C++ (or Python, Java or similar);
• clear interest in the field of biomedical or public health research;
• good communication skills and excellent command of English, and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Additional Information
Benefits

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here .
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Additional comments

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
The first round of online interviews is scheduled for the week of February 9th.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact:

• Dr. J.A. (Hans) Bogaards, project leader, via j.bogaards@amsterdamumc.nl , or
• Prof. dr. J. (Hans) Berkhof, head of department, via h.berkhof@amsterdamumc.nl .

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, at r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl .
A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/357829/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Amsterdam UMC

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1117

Geofield

Contact

City

Amsterdam Zuidoost

Website

https://www.amsterdamumc.org/

Street

Meibergdreef 9

Postal Code

1105 AZ

STATUS: EXPIRED

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