PhD-student for a project on early-life factors and biological processes | 36 hours

Unraveling Early-Life Influences on Healthy Aging: A PhD Opportunity in Epidemiology and Biological Mechanisms

PhD-student for a project on early-life factors and biological processes

• WO / Master
• 36 hours
• between €3.017 and €3.824
• Closing date 30-04-2025

Job description

With the world’s population getting increasingly older, promoting healthy aging is becoming a key public health priority. Individuals of the same age can show stark differences in health and age-related diseases, pointing to a distinction between chronological age and (biological) ageing. Research suggests that these differences may originate in early life. Prenatal and postnatal exposures (e.g. environmental, social, nutritional and lifestyle-related factors) are increasingly linked to individual differences in ageing across the lifespan. However, little is still known about how these factors interact with one another at different developmental periods, and through which biological mechanisms they may affect ageing.

The aim of this project is to comprehensively examine the role of early-life factors, and the underlying biological processes, such as (epi-)genetic and metabolic processes, in healthy ageing.

The project is part of a large EU-funded consortium, STAGE, involving multiple national and international institutions and the analysis of data from human cohorts spanning pregnancy to old age. Overall, STAGE will examine healthy ageing and multi-morbidity using a life-course approach (https://stage-healthyageing.eu/).

The PhD student will be embedded within the Generation R Study, a unique Rotterdam-based early-life cohort that started in 2002 and has been following the lives of nearly 10,000 children across development. The PhD student will use environmental, biological and physical and mental health data from the Generation R Study for this research project and will also be working on multi-cohort studies together with other partners in the consortium. Data collection in the Generation R Study includes longitudinal data from pregnancy up to 17 years of age, collected based on questionnaires, extensive in-person measurements at the Generation R research center and advanced molecular and imaging data.

The PhD student will participate in the Generation R data collection, analyse data and write peer-reviewed international publications that will result in a PhD thesis. During her/his PhD, the student will do a postgraduate MSc in (Genetic) Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Janine Felix, principal investigator for pediatric population epigenetics and deputy head of the Generation R Core Facility, and Dr. Charlotte Cecil, team leader for biological psychopathology in Generation R.

Work environment

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

Generation R and Generation R Next are population-based cohort studies, designed to identify early environmental and genetic causes and causal pathways leading to normal and abnormal growth and development from the preconception and fetal phase into young adulthood (www.generationr.nl).

Qualifications and skills

As PhD student, you are highly analytical with a strong problem-solving mindset. You possess the ability to work independently while also taking initiative in your research. Experience in epidemiological research would be advantageous, and you have a collaborative attitude that allows you to work effectively within a team. Your computer skills are above average, preferably with programming experience in languages such as R. You excel in both writing and presenting, ensuring clear communication of your findings. Proficiency in English is required, and additional proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

Specific job requirements:

• MSc degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, health sciences, or a related discipline
• Affinity with scientific questions around early-life health and biological mechanisms, such as genetics, epigenetics and/or metabolomics

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A 1-year contract will be offered at first, an extension will be offered on proven ability.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.017,- and € 3.824,- (OiO scale) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours.
• There are excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is paid in November and an individual travel expense package.
• There is an International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• There is a pension plan with ABP. We cover 70% of your pension contribution.
• Erasmus MC has special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.