PhD student

Job description

We are looking for a PhD student who would like to optimize the use of real-world data (RWD) to inform decision-making in breast cancer care. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for determining the (cost)effectiveness and safety of treatments. However, RCTs are not always available to answer the questions of interest and can lack generalisability to real-world care practices and patient populations. This limits their relevance to decisions about optimal care and reimbursement. The growing availability of real-world data (RWD) sources and advancements in methods offer a opportunity to transform clinical research and to provide timely evidence for decision making. However, important challenges remain and it is currently unknown to what extent existing RWD can provide reliable evidence for treatment choices and medication reimbursement in breast cancer care.

In this PhD project, we offer a unique opportunity with access to three different databases to investigate the value of RWD in generating evidence from RWD for decision making. 

Potential research topics include an emulation of the phase III SONIA RCT using patient-level data. Generalisability of the trial effects and costs will be explored with the RWD available and the possibility of using RWD for robust subgroup analysis and post hoc analysis of the RCT. For further reading we refer to  Sonke et al. 2024. Nature 636, 474–480 (2024), Wortelboer et al. 2025 Eur J Cancer. 2025 Dec 9;231:116051, Wortelboer et al. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.6585).

Work environment

Erasmus MC in Rotterdam is a leading university medical center focused on high-quality patient care, groundbreaking scientific research, and innovative education. With dedication, employees work in a state-of-the-art environment to improve the care of today and the health of tomorrow. One of the key objectives of Erasmus MC is to keep healthcare accessible and guarantee the availability of real innovations, taking into account today's major global challenges. 

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with an MSc degree in health care policy and management, health sciences, health economics, clinical epidemiology, econometrics, medical statistics or a related field. You should have demonstrable skills in quantitative research methods and a strong interest in applying these skills to decision problems. Having experience with statistical software is a pre. In addition, you should possess strong communicative skills in English, and preferably in Dutch as well. The candidate should be able to work independently, take initiative and keep to deadlines.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

We offer a position as PhD student at Erasmus Medical Center (MC), and Erasmus University Rotterdam including a multidisciplinary team of supervisors (i.e., clinical, health economic and statistical experts).  

Preferably the candidate can start as soon as possible but this is negotiable. 

PhD students are appointed for a period of 3 years. Remuneration will be in accordance with the PhD scale set by the Collective Labour Agreement University Medical Centers (CAO UMC). Fulltime work will pay € 3.108 before taxes in the first year, increasing to € 3.765 in the third year.

• You will receive a temporary position for 3 years.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.108,- and a maximum of € 3.765,- (OIO).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Hedwig Blommestein, (blommestein@eshpm.eur.nl).

Qualified applicants should send a letter of application and curriculum vitae to prof. dr. A. Jager by April 23rd, 2026 at the latest.

The first interview will preferably take place on April 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam.

Please note this is a direct search by Erasmus University Rotterdam. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

No agencies please.