"PhD student statistics and modelling of infectious diseases"

Background

The Data Science Institute (established in 2019) brings together more than 150 researchers working in the broad field of data science, spread across faculties and research groups at Hasselt University. DSI's primary objective is to facilitate a data-driven future. We are committed to addressing data-related challenges, fundamental innovations, and applicable solutions.
For more information, please visit: https://www.uhasselt.be/dsi

Job content

As a PhD student, you will conduct research in the field of statistical epidemiology, under the supervision of a supervisor (and possibly a co-supervisor), with the aim of obtaining a PhD. You will conduct scientific research, write and publish research articles, contribute to national and international conferences, and develop a (inter)national network.
The specific research project is situated in the field of infectious disease, namely it focuses on the modelling of transmission dynamics and risk assessment of mosquito-borne arboviruses with the potential to invade the EU. Addressing this challenge requires an interdisciplinary approach, combining biostatistics, infectious disease modelling, and geospatial analysis.
You will be part of the Center for Statistics, a dynamic research team within the Data Science Institute, with extensive national and international contacts. You will also be part of a larger interdisciplinary research project in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), within the framework of a joint PhD programme between UHasselt and VUB.
Additionally, you will participate in the Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology and will make a limited contribution to teaching assignments within the Department of Mathematics–Statistics.

Profile

• You have obtained a Master’s degree in (Bio-)Statistics or Data Science (or equivalent)
• You have a strong interest in statistical and mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.
• You have experience with scientific programming (e.g. in R, Python)
• If you have experience with the research topic, this is a plus.
• You have achieved excellent academic results.
• You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment and are a strong team player.
• You are able to report clearly and consistently.
• You work proactively and accurately, ensuring high-quality final results.
• You have strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• You have a good knowledge of English.

Offer

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a PhD scholarship for 2 years. This can be extended for another 2 years after a positive interim evaluation. The start date is scheduled for September 1, 2026.

Selection procedure

You can only apply online up to and including 30 April 2026.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information

Prof. dr. Andrea TORNERI, +32-11-268878, andrea.torneri@uhasselt.be
For questions about the selection procedure, please email jobs@uhasselt.be.

Job details

Title
PhD student statistics and modelling of infectious diseases
Employer
Hasselt University
Location
Martelarenlaan 42 Hasselt, Belgium
Published
2026-03-24
Application deadline
2026-04-30 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

Job type
PhD
Field
Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Computing in Mathematics, Natural Science, Engineering and Medicine, Programming Languages