Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), principally coronary heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of global mortality and a major contributor to disability. The main underlying pathology is atherosclerosis, which often remains undetected until rupture of unstable atherosclerotic lesions causes catastrophic clinical manifestations.

Currently, few biomarkers exist that can indicate risk of CVD and the current treatment strategies rely on risk factor management. Within the context of two large national and international consortia, we aim to discover new methods to detect and treat atherosclerosis. Our aim is to better classify and mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease by generating and analyzing novel types of genetic and proteomic data and defining novel prognostic and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease. Within this project, we will work with multiple genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic databases within the large-scale longitudinal population-based cohorts to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and advance the clinical management of CVD. This will allow for stratification of persons at risk for CVD and tailor-made anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics.

This project is a unique opportunity for someone seeking experience to work with a large collection of epidemiological datasets. As candidate you will be working at the Department of Epidemiology and will be responsible for data collection, setting up new studies, analyses of large-scale genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic datasets, and writing internationally peer-reviewed publications. This will result in an academic dissertation to obtain your PhD degree.

As PhD candidate you must have:

• A relevant background in Epidemiology, Health Sciences, Basic Science, Data Science, and/or Medicine.
• Advanced written and communication skills in English is necessary.
• Having practical experience in (big)data analyses, omics approaches, or a Medical degree is a plus.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• A gross monthly salary of € 3.017,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.824,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of 70% of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Erasmus MC

As candidate you will be appointed at the Department of Epidemiology and will work within the Cardiometabolic Epidemiology research line (Prof. M. Kavousi). This research line works within Erasmus MC together with Internal Medicine (Prof. J. van Meurs). The Department of Epidemiology is one of the world leading academic centers in Epidemiology. The Department also hosts the Rotterdam Study : a unique long-term population study, which started in 1990 and currently follows more than 18,000 people aged 40 and older. The data collection within the study includes longitudinal data collected from questionnaires, extensive in-person measurements at the research center and advanced molecular and imaging data.

You will work with the Rotterdam Study data within the context of two national and international consortia. There will be collaboration with basic scientists, data scientists, and (physician) researchers in these two consortia. During your PhD, you will have the opportunity to follow relevant courses. You will be supervised by Professor M. Kavousi and Professor J. van Meurs. Work environment At Erasmus MC we work hard to improve the care of today and the health of tomorrow. Pioneering, pushing boundaries and leading the way in research, education and care. We work with the latest equipment, techniques and care processes in a state-of-the-art building.