Master Thesis Internship: Econometrics & Health Data Modelingtrics

Job description

Approximately half of the Asian population is infected with H. pylori. Although most infections remain asymptomatic, H. pylori can lead to gastric cancer. To reduce the burden of gastric cancer, Taiwan recently introduced a screening program in which individuals are tested and treated if positive. Previously, the cost-effectiveness of this programme was only evaluated using simplified Markov simulation models. 

The goal of this master thesis project is to compare different modelling approaches for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of H. pylori screen-and-treat in Taiwan. You will develop and apply a Taiwanese version of MISCAN-gastric, a microsimulation model developed at Erasmus MC, calibrating the model to local data using genetic algorithms or alternative calibration methods. You will compare the predictions to those of previously published models, focusing on health outcomes and cost-effectiveness

An important focus will be to understand why the models produce similar or different outcomes. This includes investigating the influence of differences in model structure and parameters, assumptions in the statistical distributions of precursor disease and the timing of treatment effects. Ultimately, the project aims to assess the extent to which cost-effectiveness conclusions depend on the modelling approach and what this means for healthcare policy in Taiwan. 

Depending on your interest and progress, there is considerable scope to explore additional methodological or epidemiological questions, for example:

• Use multi-dimensional threshold analysis to investigate under what conditions H. pylori screen-and-treat is cost-effective in other countries.
• Explore advanced methods for comparing predictions from different models using model weights.
• Investigate whether Bayesian or machine learning approaches improve model calibration. 

Depending on the progress, we encourage and facilitate publication of the results in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Work environment

You will join the Department of Public Health at Erasmus MC and work in an international and interdisciplinary research team specializing in cancer prevention and screening.

You will collaborate with researchers from econometrics, medicine, epidemiology and health sciences and have the opportunity to interact with international collaborators, including researchers in Taiwan.

You will receive close supervision, including weekly meetings with your supervisor, regular feedback sessions and opportunities to present your work. As a thesis student, you will be treated as a full member of the research team.

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a master's student who:

• Is currently enrolled in a master's program in Econometrics.
• Has an interest in healthcare, public health and economic evaluation.
• Has excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• An internship for a period of 6 months
• Start date from March 2027 onwards, by mutual agreement. We would be happy to assist you in preparing your topic approval request in advance.
• You will receive a gross internship allowance of € 420,- based on a workweek of 36 hours.
• Weekly supervision and research support from a team experienced in guiding master theses in Econometrics.
• Opportunity to contribute to a scientific publication.
• Flexible working hours.

More information

Make this internship your next career move and apply using the application button.

Do you have questions about the internship? Feel free to contact Kay Rimalos, researcher, via [email protected].

Interviews will be conducted in January / February.

No agencies please.