Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will work on the RESIST project (Resistance Evaluation and Surveillance Initiative for Schistosomiasis Treatment), which is funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project centers around Pemba Island, Zanzibar, where the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium is endemic. Zanzibar has an impressive track record implementing mass drug administration with praziquantel (PZQ) against Schistosoma haematobium infections since the 1980s, achieving elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem in most areas, with a possibility of interruption of transmission. However, a few hotspots with high prevalence of infection remain.

We hypothesise that MDA-driven selection of drug-resistant parasite strains is contributing to persistent transmission in hotspots. Recent revolutionary advances in understanding the molecular basis of PZQ action means that for the first time we are able to screen natural Schistosoma populations for genetic signatures that may point to reduced PZQ efficacy, or even resistance. With a combination of parasitological fieldwork, genomic analyses, and mathematical modelling, this project aims to deliver new insights into how mass drug administration has shaped genetic diversity of S. haematobium over space and time in Pemba, how this has potentially affected drug efficacy and contributed to the persistence of hotspots, and how emerging resistance can best be monitored and mitigated.

Thus, this project lays the foundations for population-based research into drug resistance in Schistosoma species and will have important implications for novel drugs in the pipeline. The project is a collaboration between Erasmus MC (Rotterdam), the National History Museum (London), the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Basel), and the Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri (Pemba). The postdoctoral researcher at Erasmus MC will be responsible for the development and application of a mathematical model for the population genetics and transmission dynamics of S. haemotobium, based on recent similar modelling work on soil-transmitted helminths. With this model, they will to mimic the observed historical patterns in infection levels and genetic diversity and predict the future course of infection levels and drug efficacy in Pemba Island. In addition, using the mathematical model, the postdoctoral researcher will investigate (1) how emerging drug resistance can be best detected in a cost-efficient manner, and (2) how and to what extent different control strategies can prevent or slow down the spread of drug resistance. There will be opportunities for the postdoctoral researcher to travel to the study sites in Pemba and to present their work at international workshops and conferences. For the position advertised here, the candidate will be based at the Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands. There, they will be supervised by Dr. Luc E. Coffeng as part of the research section Infectious Disease Control.

Work environment

At the Department of Public Health, we are dedicated to improve population health at local, national, and international level through excellent research and education. Our research is characterised as highly multidisciplinary and is focused on the development and use of innovative methods. Collaboration with and direct impact on practice and policy are at the heart of our work.

Within the Department, the research unit Infectious Disease Control is an internationally leading group in mathematical modelling of transmission and control of parasite, bacterial, and viral infections, with long-standing expertise in individual-based modelling.

Qualifications and skills

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be developing and honing key skills in mathematical modeling (both development and application), scientific communication (both oral and written), and collaboration with stakeholders and experts across various disciplines. You will have the opportunity to deepen your expertise and gain further experience in infectious disease modeling, uncertainty quantification and propagation, cross-disciplinary communication, and efficiently exploring and integrating new subject matter. Additionally, the department strongly supports the development of skills in acquisition, leadership, goal-oriented working, creativity, initiative, engagement, vision, and visibility.

Desired qualifications:

• The position is offered to PhD graduates in Epidemiology, Mathematics, Biostatistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• The candidate should have good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing (i.e., command of the Dutch language is not required).

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 2.75 years.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.493 and € 5.504,- (scale 10) based on a fulltime workweek of 36 hours.
• Working from home (partially) is an option.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

For more information about this position, please contact Luc E. Coffeng, assistant professor, via l.coffeng@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.