PhD student vaccinology

Background
The Data Science Institute (est. 2019) brings together over 150 researchers working in the broad field of data science across faculties and research groups at Hasselt University. DSI's main objective is to facilitate the data-driven future. We are committed to data-related challenges, fundamental innovations and applicable solutions.

More information: www.uhasselt.be/dsi

Job content
VacxSYS (FWO): For many human infectious diseases, especially those caused by pathogens for which no effective treatment exists, the development, production, supply and optimal allocation of effective vaccines is of paramount importance. However, achieving an effective balance between supply and demand in vaccine supply chains is challenging. Optimal decision-making in vaccine supply chains is highly complex due to the many uncertainties involved, the relative lack of responsiveness of the chain and the many different public and private objectives at stake. Current literature on vaccine supply chain management falls short of recognising this system-wide complexity. Moreover, it is important to take into account the various sources of uncertainty in the evolution of disease dynamics. To achieve the ultimate goal of access to vaccines and obtain the desired health and economic outcomes, it is crucial to link the supply subsystem and the disease subsystem. This allows to model the dynamics of both supply and demand, combined with a multi-criteria decision analysis. Various best-in-class scenarios to support key decision makers will be the final outcome of the project.
You will prepare a PhD dissertation and you will also present your research results in scientific publications and at (inter)national conferences. You will also participate in the 'Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology' and be part of the teaching team in the Department of Mathematics-Statistics. You will contribute limited to a teaching assignment. 

Profile

• You have a master's degree in quantitative sciences, statistics, mathematics, computer science or engineering. (or equivalent)
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You are proficient in the use of common software programs, especially MS Office applications.
• You are willing to further improve your knowledge and skills in line with professional needs.
• You are willing to go on short trips abroad.
• You are cooperative and can work well in teams.
• You are able to report clearly and regularly.
• You take a pragmatic approach to seeking solutions.
• You are stress-resistant.
• You are fluent in written and oral communication in English.
• You can work well independently, paying attention to the need to communicate with colleagues and superiors.
• You work accurately and pay attention to order and punctuality.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a PhD scholarship for 2 years. This is renewable for another 2 years after a positive interim evaluation.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 30 April 2024.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. Niel HENS, +32-11-268232, niel.hens@uhasselt.be

For questions about the selection procedure, please email jobs@uhasselt.be.