(Bijbaan voor Informatica, Informatiekunde, Natuurkunde, Wiskunde)

Who we are

We (Bont Groep) are a large and dynamic research group at UMC Utrecht studying respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Our mission is to improve knowledge and to decrease the global burden of respiratory syncytial virus which is the second cause of death in young children worldwide. The activities of the group include laboratory studies, clinical studies, and statistical modelling. We are looking for a data/computer/AI sciences student to improve our data management processes and support the automation of regular tasks.

What does clinical research have to do with computer sciences?

Conducting large clinical studies over several years require to set-up and maintain large complex databases. High quality data is key to get valid answers to research questions. Therefore, data management is a priority. Clinical studies now use more tech tools than before as participants prefer to use apps or to receive questionnaires by email. Another aspect is that more data on respiratory viruses are shared and available online since the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is very valuable but can be labor-intensive to collect.

What you will do

You will support the study team to develop and improve our data management processes and to automate tasks. You will work closely with a PhD student(s) to identify and prioritize possible improvements in accordance with projects needs and your own strengths and interests. Your daily tasks may involve among others creating new forms in online databases, scheduling and testing triggers for batch email invitations, setting-up automatic data checks, coding automatic reports, or setting-up data pipeline for data extraction.

Who you are

You are a bachelor or master student in data sciences/computer/AI sciences or another related field. You are available for at least 8h per week. You are responsible, have good analytical thinking skills, are attentive to details and solution oriented. You are curious about research in clinical settings and able to work in a multidisciplinary team. You have good command of English. Experience with R is a plus.

What we offer

• Applying your skills to a larger cause of improving the health of young children.
• A valuable experience in data management for research.
• An understanding of data privacy requirements when working with health data in the Netherlands and at international level.
• A large variety of tasks and projects to continue to develop yourself.
• A young and dynamic environment open to suggestions.
• A flexible contract with hours that can be adapted to your studies.
• Possibility to work at least partly from home.

How to apply?

Marie-Noelle Billard, PhD candidate & Joanne Wildenbeest, pediatrician- infectious disease specialist. For questions and to apply: groepbont@umcutrecht.nl.