Andrea Torneri

A fully funded PhD position is available at the Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, focusing on statistics and infectious disease modelling. The research will assess the risk of arbovirus emergence in the EU and investigate mitigation policies, combining mathematical modelling, data science, and reinforcement learning. The project is part of an international initiative in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Lab Brussels (VUB) and Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team and benefit from a vibrant academic environment. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, ideally in statistics, mathematics, or related fields, and an interest in infectious disease epidemiology and artificial intelligence. The position is fully funded for 2+2 years, including tuition and stipend. For more information and to apply, visit the official Hasselt University vacancy page.

The Data Science Institute at Hasselt University, established in 2019, unites over 150 researchers across diverse faculties and research groups, all dedicated to advancing data-driven solutions and innovations. As a PhD student in statistics and modelling of infectious diseases, you will join the Center for Statistics, a dynamic team within the Institute, and contribute to a larger interdisciplinary project in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This joint PhD programme offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biostatistics, epidemiology, and geospatial analysis. Your research will focus on the modelling of transmission dynamics and risk assessment of mosquito-borne arboviruses with the potential to invade the EU. The project requires an interdisciplinary approach, combining statistical epidemiology, infectious disease modelling, and geospatial analysis. You will conduct scientific research, publish articles, present at conferences, and develop a national and international network. The position also includes participation in the Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology and limited teaching assignments within the Department of Mathematics–Statistics. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in (Bio-)Statistics, Data Science, or an equivalent field. Essential qualifications include a strong interest in statistical and mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, experience with scientific programming (R, Python), excellent academic results, and strong communication skills in English. Experience with the research topic is considered a plus. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment, is a proactive team player, and can report clearly and consistently. The position offers a PhD scholarship for 2 years, with the possibility of extension for another 2 years following a positive interim evaluation. The start date is scheduled for September 1, 2026. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. The selection procedure involves a preselection based on your application file and an interview. For further information, you may contact Prof. dr. Andrea Torneri at [email protected] or [email protected]. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link. This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant research community and contribute to impactful research in statistical epidemiology and infectious disease modelling.