PhD Biostatistics

Job description

The Department of Biostatistics at Erasmus Medical Center (Erasmus University), Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is seeking a full-time PhD student in biostatistics to work on causal inference methodology with applications in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare liver disease for which no effective treatment exists. In an international consortium (Joint Transnational Call 2025 of the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance), clinicians, biologists, and statisticians collaborate to better understand this disease. They collect data from liver tissue, cultured liver models, and animal models under various experimental conditions. 

This PhD project constitutes the methodological component of the consortium. An important objective is to determine when correlations in measurements of gene activity reflect a true causal mechanism of disease and when they do not. In addition, statistical methods are developed to explain why the disease progresses more rapidly in some patients than in others. These methods help other researchers within the consortium to more precisely identify therapeutic targets and to better select promising drugs for further investigation. Key research objectives include:

• Clarify the causal interpretation of correlations in gene expression studies
• Develop causal discovery algorithms for spatial transcriptomics data
• Develop statistical theory for causal discovery of effect modifiers

Moreover, you will be involved in the data analysis of the applied researchers in the consortium. This is a fully funded PhD position for three years, starting in September 2026 (earlier start is possible). Extension to a fourth year may be possible depending on available funding. You will have the opportunity to present the results at international statistical conferences, such as the ISCB annual conference and EuroCIM. Moreover, you will gain experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with the other researchers of the consortium. The primary focus of this position is research, but you will also be expected to contribute up to 10% of your time to statistical consulting.

Work environment

The Department of Biostatistics at Erasmus MC is renowned for its innovative statistical research in analyzing complex data structures, including longitudinal and survival data, correlated data, missing and censored data,  causal inference, Bayesian techniques, and innovative clinical trial methods. You will be supervised by dr. Richard Post who leads a research line on statistical theory for causal inference and prof. dr. Bettina Hansen working on clinical biostatistics with a focus on rare liver diseases. 

Qualifications and skills

• You are a highly motivated and creative junior researcher.
• You have obtained your MSc in the field of Mathematics, Biostatistics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of causal inference, R/Python, or transcriptomics will be considered a plus.
• You have the ability to conduct innovative research, both as an independent researcher and as a strong team player.
• You are accurate and thorough and have a good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing. 

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 3 years (with the intention of extending to 4 years).
• The gross monthly salary amounts to €3,217,- in the first year, and €3,897,- in the third year (scale OIO).
• A salary increase of 3,5% from July 2026, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA)
• Partial working from home is possible, as is working 4 x 9 hours.
• 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 your arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action. 

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to dr. ir. Richard Post via mail.

We may end the application period early should a suitable candidate be found.

Only complete applications can be taken into consideration; incomplete submissions will be rejected. To apply, please provide the following:

• Up-to-date resume.
• Motivation letter (maximum of 1 page).
• A copy of your (master) thesis, internship report or equivalent.

No agencies please.