Job description

A better understanding of the COVID-19 disease course in non-hospitalised patients is needed to guide standard of care to properly manage patients at home, administer early treatment and predict progression to severe or chronic disease on time. The work will be mainly done within the ZonMw funded project COVID-HOME in close collaboration with other COVID-19 research projects e.g. the EU H2020 ORCHESTRA project. The COVID-HOME study is a prospective cohort study of non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients followed at home. Consenting people were visited weekly at home to obtain clinical data and samples to determine laboratory parameters, serology, viral genotyping, viral culture, and cytokine dynamics. Household members of infected individuals were also invited to join the study. The follow-up of the cohort at 3, 6, 12 & 18 month time-points is currently ongoing.

Working environment

The department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Prevention at UMCG in Groningen, Netherlands, is responsible for patient specific laboratory diagnostics, teaching and research in the area of infection prevention & control, virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology. For COVID-19 research, the department is looking for a postdoc in the field of epidemiology and statistics to join the COVID-HOME project team led by dr. Adriana Tami.

What do we need

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in epidemiology, a strong interest in clinical epidemiology combining clinical aspects with laboratory data, a solid methodological background (documented experience with planning, analysing, and reporting epidemiological studies) and the ability to work both independently and in teams. Experience with supervision, data management and data collection is an asset.

You will apply advanced data analysis methodologies to longitudinal clinical and laboratory data to identify predicting/risk factors for Post-COVID condition and to identify associations between the duration and severity of signs/symptoms of COVID-19 disease and viral loads, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody kinetics and change in laboratory parameters in the COVID HOME cohort. You will be involved in the supervision of students working on the same project and datasets. You will write publications and will have the opportunity to present work on (inter)national conferences.

Specific requirements:

• A PhD in epidemiology, preferably with a focus on health (clinical epidemiology).
• Advanced expertise in analysis of longitudinal data (required), including mixed-effects models, and interpretation of results.
• Expertise in programming in Stata, R or equivalent.
• Data management skills and interest in novel data analysis approaches (such as machine learning) is desirable.
• An analytical mindset with attention to detail and a drive for rigour.
• Experience and willingness to supervise Master and PhD students.
• Excellent skills in English (oral and writing).
• Experience in international collaboration is an advantage.
• Team player with excellent communication and collaborative skills.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

What do we offer

A position in an enthusiastic team with dedicated researchers for the duration of 2 years with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance and available funding. Opportunity is provided for further professional development, including applying for future personal funding. Your salary will be a maximum of € 4.707,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

How to apply
Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page – only these will be processed.You can apply until January 23, 2022. Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation. Incomplete applications will not be assessed. Complete applications include:

• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• A complete and numbered list of publications;
• Up to three scientific, peer-reviewed publications that the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment of his or her scientific qualifications. (Please note that one PDF or docx file must be attached for each publication);
• Two contacts for professional reference letters.

Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information. Applications may be shortlisted.
Interviews will be held by Zoom / Teams soon after the closure date.

For questions about the position

Any questions? Do contact us.