PhD: Vacancy for 2 PhD candidates - Netherlands
Vacancy for two PhD-candidates:
Bayesian modelling to develop N-of-1 trials for children with autism spectrum disorders’
Precision psychiatry in autism spectrum disorders: drug repurposing through N-of-1 trials’
Main conditions:
- 36 hours a week
- Temporary position
- 4 years
- Date of publication: October 15 2019
- Deadline: October 312019
- Intended starting date: December 1st, 2019
- Scale 10A: max € 43305 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments)
Your challenge
Current ‘one-size fits- all’ treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unsuccessful in improving patient prognosis. Rational treatments are suggested but have not yet been tailored to the individual. This translational project incorporates predictive information from cutting-edge fundamental research using patient-derived stem cells ‘brain-on-a-dish’ in-silico models with innovative single patient trial (i.e. N-of-1 trial) methodology, with the ultimate goal to translate our findings to novel treatment implementations for children with ASD.
Project 1: Bayesian modelling to develop N-of-1 trials for children with ASD
As a PhD-candidate, your main tasks and responsibilities are:
- perform Bayesian network analysis of existing evidence from ASD trials in literature
- perform Bayesian re-analysis of a successful recently completed randomized controlled trial in children with ASD testing a new treatment (bumetanide)
- develop the statistical protocol and methods for the aggregated N-of-1 trials design in the NewTDec consortium and analyse the trial data
- co-write the aggregated N-of-1 trial manuscript and prepare for publication
Project 2: Precision psychiatry in ASD: drug repurposing through N-of-1 trials
As a PhD-candidate, your main tasks and responsibilities are:
- conduct a review of drug repurposing possibilities for ASD
- develop the institutional review board protocol and manage the different phases of the aggregated N-of-1 trials (screening, inclusion, blinded treatment phases with collecting of outcome measures and possible side effects, effect evaluation and treatment (dis)continuation decisions) in the NewTDec consortium
- co-write the aggregated N-of-1 trial manuscript and prepare for publication
- develop treatment decision support systems to inform future N-of-1 trials
The University is looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with:
Project 1:
A Master’s degree in a field related to biostatistics, biomedical sciences and/or psychology;
Affinity for complex statistical analysis and/or Bayesian modelling related to neuroscience;
Interest in complex data analysis and pushing the boundaries of research through technology-driven applications;
Experience with complex statistical models and biostatistics is a plus;
You have a flexible, pro-active team spirit but you can also work independently;
Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
Project 2:
A Master’s degree in medicine;
Affinity for translational and/or interventional research in neurodevelopmental disorders;
Interest in neurobiological background of neurodevelopmental disorders and pushing the boundaries of treatment development through technology-driven applications;
Experience with translational research or clinical trials is a plus;
You have a flexible, pro-active team spirit but you can also work independently;
Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
Your work environment
This joint project will be performed at Amsterdam UMC (Department of Psychiatry – dr. Hilgo Bruining research group) as well as the Radboud UMC (Department of Health Evidence – prof. Gert Jan van der Wilt research group). At these places, you will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in Bayesian statistical analysis, conductance of clinical trials, health technology assessment, cell biology, neuroscience and clinical neurology and psychiatry.
Application
If you are interested to join this research team, please send your CV, names and addresses of two professional references and a letter describing your motivation, background and ambition to succeed in this project to Anneke.verbaten@radboudumc.nl
Information
All additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Bas Stunnenberg, MD, Departments of Neurology and Health Evidence, Radboudumc, via +31 (0)24 361 66 00.
Key references
Stunnenberg BC, Raaphorst J, Groenewoud HM, et al. Effect of Mexiletine on Muscle Stiffness in Patients With Nondystrophic Myotonia Evaluated Using Aggregated N-of-1 Trials. JAMA. 2018;320(22):2344-2353.
Share: