Postdoctoral Researcher Synthetic Data and Differential Privacy

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of synthetic data and differential privacy. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in validating software, implementing quality assurance measures, and conducting research to evaluate the efficacy of synthetic data generation algorithms.
 
Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with software suppliers
Work closely with software suppliers to validate that the software they deliver meets the requirements of the PostDoc project as an end-user of data synthesizing algorithms. Provide feedback on the functionality, performance, and usability of the software, and facilitate communication between the research team and the software suppliers. 

2. Collaborate with clinical and European partners
Work closely with the involved clinical partners to validate the clinical interpretation and trustworthiness of the synthesized data. Being the bridge between the software suppliers and clinical partners is of crucial importance for the success of the project.

3. Quality assurance and quality control
Implement a robust quality assurance and quality control framework for the data synthesizing process. Define and execute validation procedures, data integrity checks, and accuracy assessments to ensure the reliability, consistency and risk of identification of the synthetic data generated. Document the process as a guidance for other researchers within the consortium. 
 
4. Comparative analysis
Conduct in-depth research to compare the results obtained from analyses on real data with those derived from analyses on synthetic data that was generated from real data. Design and execute experiments, apply statistical methodologies and assess the fidelity and utility of the synthetic data for various analytical tasks. Document and analyze the similarities, differences, and limitations of the synthetic data approach.
 
5. Research paper publication
Compile the research findings into a comprehensive and high-quality research paper. Prepare and submit manuscripts to reputable scientific journals and conferences. Collaborate with the research team to refine and enhance the paper based on peer reviews and feedback. Disseminate research outcomes through presentations and participation in relevant academic events.

Work environment

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam consists of the divisions of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, and Reproductive Medicine, and the research group Periconception Epidemiology, where patient care, education and research take place.
 
Since 2009, the open prospective Rotterdam Periconception cohort (Predict Study) has been carried out embedded in patient care and with a focus on unravelling the mechanisms of the associations between periconception parental health, pregnancy outcome and health during the lifecourse.

To valorise the research findings of this research line, digital lifestyle care innovations are developed and implemented for couples and healthcare providers. They are using digital lifestyle care as roadmap in combination with medical, social and mental care. Our ultimate aim is to develop a dynamic digital twin across the life course to provide the best care for current and future generations.
 
For more information about the Periconception Epidemiology research group: https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/research/groups/periconception-epidemiology#482e2270-58dd-4326-b7a4-b95b10d29fcb

Qualifications and skills

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Experience in synthetic data generation techniques and differential privacy.
• Experience in working with clinical data.
• Experience in working with software suppliers and evaluating software for research purposes.
• Proficient in scientific programming in either Python, R, or MATLAB for data analysis and validation.
• Experience in machine learning on tabular data on tabular data.
• Affinity with working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A one year contract will be offered at first. 
• The gross maximum monthly salary is € 5.919,- (scale 11) based on a full-time working week of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• A 4% Collective Labour Agreement payraise starting November 2023.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• You can work full-time or part-time. We discuss your employability together in the department. A good work-life balance we think is important.
• 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. Jan van den Brand, data steward: a.vandenbrand@erasmusmc.nl or 06 542 814 29.
Prof. dr. Régine Steegers-Theunissen: r.steegers@erasmusmc.nl.
Ir. Wietske Bastiaansen: w.bastiaansen@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.