PhD on Avian Influenza Surveillance in EU Doctoral Network

Join an international doctoral network and evaluate the effectiveness of different surveillance and sampling strategies in the context where vaccination of poultry is a control option for epizootic avian influenza!

Your job
While outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in Europe used to be rare and geographically contained, the situation has dramatically changed in the last few years with thousands of outbreaks reported in domestic poultry and wild birds. Vaccination of poultry against avian influenza is now being given full consideration, as it is becoming clear that traditional prevention and control approaches alone will not curb the accelerating pace of occurrence of devastating HPAIV epidemics. However, vaccinating poultry does not come without important challenges.

This PhD project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different surveillance and sampling strategies in the context where vaccination of poultry is a control option for epizootic avian influenza. Specific objectives are to

1. define a risk-based surveillance programme in different European member states;
2. to develop a simulation model to test the effectiveness of surveillance programmes; and
3. to calculate the costs and benefits of surveillance programmes.

This project is expected to generate new knowledge on the relation between the ecologic, agricultural, socio-economic and legal differences between countries and the effectiveness of surveillance. The framework developed in this project will allow evidence-based optimisation of surveillance strategies tailored to the regional or national context of countries with epidemic HPAI occurrence.

The project VIVACE, gathering 15 leading universities or research institutes and 5 private companies, puts together an ambitious doctoral network to integrate poultry vaccination approaches into efficient management strategies for HPAIV. This interdisciplinary project offers funding for 13 PhD scholarships along the continuum from virology and immunology to spatial and molecular epidemiology, computer sciences and social and behavioural sciences. Irrespective of their background, all doctoral candidates from VIVACE will benefit from a unique international training in these fields, as well as state-of-the-art soft skill development. In doing so, the VIVACE consortium ambitions to train the next generation of scientists with integrated understanding and expertise in avian influenza management.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, diligent and results-driven candidate who meets the following criteria:

• You have a Master's degree in life sciences (e.g. biology, veterinary science, or animal science) with proven quantitative analytical skills. Candidates with a background in applied mathematics, economy, econometry or quantitative social sciences and an interest for agriculture are also warmly encouraged to apply.
• You are willing to travel and spend time at two locations in The Netherlands and in France. Due to this mobility and multi-disciplinary collaboration, we are looking for a candidate with strong social and communication skills, that can independently set up a working relationship with different researchers.
• You have proven proficiency in both oral and written English. Proficiency in Dutch is not necessarily required.
• You are willing to present research work at national and international conferences.
• A strong interest in programming (preferably in R) would be highly advantageous.
• You ideally have affinity with or knowledge of Dutch, French, or European livestock production and/or socio-economic context.
• As VIVACE is a doctoral network (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action), eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the beginning of the PhD project.

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

You will become part of the veterinary epidemiology group in the department of Population Health Sciences, led by Professor Arjan Stegeman. The epidemiology group is an internationally oriented group of more than 20 team members with expertise in field, experimental and theoretical epidemiology, as well as surveillance, evidence-based veterinary medicine, statistics and animal health economics. Furthermore, we are responsible for teaching epidemiology and statistics to veterinary students and participate in several Bachelor's and Master's programmes across the Utrecht University, in particular the MSc Epidemiology. As a team, we support each other and prioritise collaboration in the light of both professional and personal development.

For more information, please contact Dr Egil Fischer at e.a.j.fischer@uu.nl.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.