PhD Position in Biostatistics/Data Science

Department: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Regime Full-time

Are you passionate about Biostatistics and Data Science to support real-world problems? Do you want to contribute to early detection of respiratory viruses and optimize pandemic response strategies?

Then we are looking for you! Join our FWO-SBO project ANTICIPATE, a collaboration between the University of Antwerp, VUB and the Brussels University Hospital, starting October 2025.

The University of Antwerp (UAntwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID ) is part of the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) at the UAntwerp and of the SIMID consortium. CHERMID is a multidisciplinary research centre conducting methodological and applied research on the economics of public health, mainly vaccination and mathematical modelling. VAXINFECTIO, including CHERMID, is involved in several European Commission funded projects and is Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a vibrant and internationally oriented university located in the heart of Europe. With a strong commitment to academic freedom, critical thinking, and social engagement, we offer high-quality education to over 22,000 students and conduct cutting-edge research across a wide range of disciplines. As one of Brussels' major employers, we bring together more than 4,000 staff members from diverse backgrounds, working together to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future.

The Brussels Institute for Statistics and Information Science (BISI) is a multidisciplinary research group within the VUB, focusing on data-driven approaches to health, society, and policy. BISI combines expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, and machine learning to tackle complex societal challenges. BISI is actively involved in various research projects and contributes to capacity building in health data science both locally via SQUARE .

Your profile:

• You have a master degree in biostatistics or data science or a related domain such as mathematics or applied mathematics.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You can demonstrate strong quantitative skills. 
• You can demonstrate experience in coding.
• You can demonstrate experience in or interest in working with R/Python.
• You can demonstrate very good writing skills.
• You can demonstrate a proactive attitude.
• You have good communication skills, and a collaborative and multidisciplinary interest.
• You have thorough knowledge of English, both oral and written.
• Thorough knowledge of Dutch and/or French is an asset, but not required.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are able to work independently, but also enjoy working in a team.

What we offer:

• We offer a PhD position for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation and sufficiently available funds, the position can then be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is as soon as possible after the selection procedure.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff .
• Opportunities of career development (doctoral training)
• A stimulating and international research environment; an opportunity to collaborate with leading research groups in Belgium and abroad.
• You will receive fringe benefits in the form of ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including August 8, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your CV, contact details of two references and a writing sample (preferably a copy of your master's thesis). Applications without these attachments will not be considered.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Niel Hens (niel.hens@uantwerpen.be ).

The University of Antwerp and VUB received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.