"PhD Candidate – Reusing Trial Data About Cognitive Enhancers (RETRACE)"

Job Summary

Vulnerable elderly are often underrepresented in clinical studies with medications. When they do participate, there is an increased chance of early discontinuation due to side effects or death. This leads to an overestimation of medication effectiveness and underestimation of side effects. Studies are often too short to determine the effects of long-term use. This project aims to establish the real effects of dementia inhibitors, medications prescribed to counteract cognitive decline in people with dementia. It will also investigate whether these medications lead to longer maintenance of independence and delay the use of long-term care.

Responsibilities

• Work with a rich set of data, including individual patient data from clinical trials, routine care data from the Academic General Practice Development Network (AHON), and data from the Care Indication Center (CIZ), Central Administration Office (CAK), and Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS);
• Use smart statistical methods to analyze how participant selection and dropout during studies have influenced the reported effects of dementia inhibitors;
• Investigate whether dementia inhibitors actually ensure that Dutch users remain independent longer and thus influence the use of long-term care;
• Contribute to the further development of statistical models for application in the field of geriatric medicine.

This project provides valuable insights into dementia inhibitors for patients, caregivers, care professionals, and policymakers, promoting appropriate use of existing medications. The developed methodological knowledge can also be used to promote appropriate use of future medications.

Qualifications and Requirements

We are looking for a driven researcher with an affinity for research methods, health research, and medication. You have completed a university education in health sciences, statistics, data science, pharmacology, medicine, or a related field. You have experience with quantitative research and enjoy delving into it. You have good organizational skills and perseverance. You work independently and carefully.

What the Employer Offers

You will receive an employment contract for 36 hours per week (0.8-1.0 FTE) for one year, with extension upon good performance to four years. The salary is a maximum of €3,939 gross per month (scale PRO), depending on education and experience, based on a full-time position. Additionally, the UMCG offers 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and pension accrual with ABP, where 70% of the premium is paid by us. The terms of employment are in accordance with the CAO Universitair Medische Centra (CAO-UMC).