PhD Position – Developing Methods for Multi-Disease Test Evaluation (MERIT Project) University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position focused on developing new quantitative methods for evaluating multi-disease tests within the MERIT project. Multi-disease tests are rapidly emerging in healthcare, offering the potential to detect several diseases from a single blood sample or medical image, often before symptoms appear. However, these tests can produce false positives, and current evaluation methods are limited to single-disease tests. The MERIT project aims to fill this gap by creating robust frameworks for health and economic evaluation of multi-disease tests, ultimately guiding policymakers and physicians in their adoption and use.

This PhD position is based in the Health Technology and Services Research (HTSR) section of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS). HTSR is an interdisciplinary group of about 35 researchers dedicated to advancing health innovation through quantitative analysis, decision-making, and implementation strategies. The section is part of the Technical Medical Center TechMed, a leading innovation hub at the University of Twente. The research environment is collaborative, supportive of personal and professional growth, and offers ample opportunities for social interaction.

As a PhD candidate, you will build on existing methods for single-test evaluation, develop frameworks for multi-disease test appraisal, and apply these frameworks to AI-driven radiology as a practical case study. You will collaborate with partners at Amsterdam UMC and Radboudumc, contributing to the future of healthcare and impacting thousands of lives. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining medical science, public health, statistics, computer science, and economics.

Applicants should have a relevant academic background and strong motivation for the project. International candidates without secondary or higher education in English must provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS ≥ 6.5, TOEFL-iBT ≥ 90, or Cambridge CAE-C/CPE). Application materials include a cover letter (max 1 page A4), CV with courses and grades, and up to three references. An overview of publications is optional. The position will remain open until July 5, 2026, or until filled. Suitable candidates will be invited for interviews as applications are received.

For further information, contact Prof.Dr. Erik Koffijberg or Prof.Dr. Mariska Leeflang via email. The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities.

Join a vibrant, forward-thinking community at the University of Twente, where you will contribute to innovative research and shape the future of healthcare.