Phd in methodology for combining target trial emulation and estimand frameworks

Shape the future of real world evidence by integrating target trial emulation with the estimand framework for robust causal inference.

Are you excited about causal inference, real-world data, and methodological innovation? Join us to explore how the integration of the estimand framework and target trial emulation can improve the design, analysis, and interpretability of observational studies for clinical and regulatory decision-making.

In this PhD project, you will develop, evaluate, and apply methodological innovations at the intersection of causal inference, pharmacoepidemiology, and real-world evidence. Your primary goal is to integrate the estimand framework with the target trial emulation approach to improve transparency and decision relevance in non-interventional studies. You will:

• develop stakeholder-informed research questions and use the estimand and target trial emulation frameworks to design and conduct studies that compare alternative analytic strategies;
• apply and validate methods using real-world data sources;
• investigate approaches for bias analysis and validation;
• collaborate with academic, regulatory, and clinical stakeholders within the EU PE & PV Research Network
• present findings at international conferences and lead the development of peer-reviewed publications;
• teach (~10% of your work time) in the Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Drug Innovation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the frontier of real-world data science, with a clear path to methodological and applied impact in healthcare.

• A Master’s degree in epidemiology, (bio)statistics, health data science, or a related discipline;
• a strong foundation in quantitative methods;
• curiosity and drive to explore methodological complexity and communicate results clearly;
• strong collaboration and communication skills, with an interest in stakeholder engagement;
• a proactive and independent working style, with a commitment to scientific integrity.

• A position for four years;
• a fulltime working week and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) focuses on processes around discovery, development, and use of drugs and medical nutrition using molecular and technological principles from the Natural and Life Sciences. This research is ideally positioned in the Faculty of Science to work on basic scientific problems and to translate new findings into potential solutions to urgent societal medical needs, which are addressed in the Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. UIPS is partner in several open-source innovation networks.

You will be employed in the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, that consists of a multidisciplinary team of young and internationally oriented researchers. The research programme is directed at several epidemiological, therapeutic, and policy aspects of chronic drug use with a focus on advanced affordable biomolecular and cellular therapies.

For more information, please contact Daniala Weir at d.l.weir@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documents via the ‘apply now’ button:

• your one-page motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae (max. two pages);
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;
• a copy of your diploma, or a letter from your university stating when your graduation will take place.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.