ESR 12 position

MSCA ITN founded project “DohART-NET” focusing on effect of altered conditions during the periconceptional (PC) period of development in humans, including babies born from assisted reproduction (ART, “test-tube”) interventions, and from diabetic, obese mothers. The DohART-NET project integrates pre-clinical (animal and stem cell-models) and clinical studies and apply data linkage, bioinformatics and network science for the identification and validation of mechanisms of diseases common in early development. The project will promote efficient disease prevention and potential personalised therapeutic interventions in both the general and ART populations to overcome adverse disease pathways. DohART-NET will train 13 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) PhD students on this important topic much needed to improve public health over several generations, and it will integrate pre-clinical, translational clinical and in silico modeling approaches. The ESRs will strongly benefit from a network of internationally recognized scientists and the participation of companies with relevant interests and expertise in the field.

DohART-NET Network: BioTalentum Ltd. (Hungary), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Manchester (UK), University of Southampton (UK), Erasmus University Medical Center (Netherlands), CeMM (Austria), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany), MWM GmbH (Germany), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (Belgium), IVI Valencia (Spain)

Job Title: PhD Position (ESR12)

Application Deadline: 14th July 2019

Recruiting Institution: Erasmus University Medical Center – Rotterdam, NL

Objectives:

The applicant will be involved in the investigation of the Smarter Pregnancy web-based M-Health platform (www.smarterpregnancy.org.uk) tested in 1,000 women and their male partners before and during pregnancy in a RCT to evaluate over a 52-week period the effect of a 26-week intervention based upon online M-Health coaching on the smartphone. This programme offers personalised and individualised coaching on adequate intakes of vegetables, fruits (healthy nutrition), folic acid supplement use, and to stop smoking and alcohol on pregnancy chance and outcome.  Outcomes of coaching comprise a composite risk score for intake of vegetables, fruits, folic acid, stop smoking and alcohol use; and conception rate and clinical early and late pregnancy outcomes. In DohART-NET, the M-Health study will focus on effects of PC maternal overnutrition in the ART population on 1-C pathway biomarkers and those identified in the other WPs on pregnancy chance and outcome and the effect of the M-Health coaching on the same described outcomes.

The ideal candidate should have solid knowledge and ideally a Masters degree in Clinical Medicine (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and/or Biomedical Health Sciences and/or Epidemiology. Research experience is a big advantage and practical experience in handling large databases and in biostatistics and or bioinformatics would be preferred, but not required.

The project implies a series of secondments at partner labs for additional training. The successful candidate will participate in the network’s training activities and work placements at the laboratories of the participating academic and industrial teams. Regular meetings and workshops within the EU-funded DohART-NET International Training Network will supplement the training and support provided at Erasmus University Medical Center.

Appointment:

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of 36 months (Regular employment contract). The candidate will receive a Monthly Living Allowance plus a Mobility Allowance compliant with the applicable EC Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-ITN general conditions.

Eligibility:

Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • have a background in Clinical Medicine and/or Biomedical Health Sciences and/or Epidemiology (Master’s degree)
  • have not been awarded a PhD already
  • have less than 4 years of full time – including any period of research experience at the signature of the contract
    (This is measured from the date when the degree was obtained, which formally entitles the candidate to embark a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained, or in the country in which the research training is provided. Degree: MSc, MD, DVM and BSC in some countries.)
  • at the time of selection, the candidate must have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization/recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to selection. Short stays such as holidays are not considered.
  • excellent knowledge of the spoken and written English language
  • excellent communication and team working skills

How to Apply and further details:

Follow the below steps to submit your application. Please note all the uploaded documents should be written in English and should be in PDF format.

  1. Please answer the questions below
  2. Fill in the required fields
  3. Upload your CV
  4. Upload your motivation letter describing research career goals, skills and experience
  5. Upload 2 letters of recommendation

Are you interested?

Please answer our questions:

    Do you have resided or carried out your main activity outside of the host institution's country for more than 24 months in the 3 years?
    YesNo

    Are you in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research careers, starting at the date of obtaining your masters degree (or similar)?
    YesNo