PhD-candidate
MODELLING COMBINATIONS OF STRATEGIES FOR HIV PREVENTION
at the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
Job number: AT I&V-EPI-273/OIO-04
The project
In the Netherlands, the majority of new HIV diagnoses occurs among men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite the availability of successful treatment for HIV infection and the employment of numerous interventions, the risk of HIV transmission remains high among MSM. Recent efforts have focused on various measures, but the combined impact of these measures is unknown. The main objective of the project is to develop an agent based model that describes HIV transmission among MSM and, using this model, to investigate the impact of different public health measures on HIV transmission, calculate the costs and benefits of interventions, and inform the design and improvement of HIV control.
The position
You will develop models to describe and study the effect of different public health interventions on the transmission of HIV and of other STIs and to calculate the costs and benefits of these interventions. Different methodologies will be used in the project, such as dynamic transmission models, statistical methods, economic analyses, and computational models. You will work closely with colleagues in other organizations with expertise in the HIV/STI field . You are expected to publish the methods developed and modelling results in high impact peer-reviewed scientific journals. The research project should result in a PhD thesis.
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with an MSc degree in biosciences who have a proven interest in mathematical modelling and from candidates with an MSc degree in the physical sciences (mathematics, physics, or computer science) who have a proven interest in modelling the population dynamics of infectious diseases. The essential requirement is to have the motivation and drive to combine relevant elements from both biological and computational disciplines to answer epidemiological questions that will improve public health. The applicant is expected to have experience with computer programming. Experience with statistical analysis of epidemiological data is an advantage. The applicant is able to work well both independently and within a team, takes initiative and he/she has a good command of English.
Conditions of employment
You will be appointed at the Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Centre of the RIVM in Bilthoven. The initial appointment is for 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended to a total duration of 4 years. The salary corresponds to the OIO salary scale according to the working conditions.
Additional information
For more information, please contact Dr. J. Wallinga ([email protected], tel. (+31) (0)30-2742553) or Dr. M.A.B. van der Sande ([email protected], tel. (+31) (0)30-2743770).
How to apply
Written applications are to be sent to [email protected], before 23 September, quoting the vacancy number AT I&V-EPI-273/OIO-04.