PhD Student (gn*) Pharmacoepidemiology

(*gn=gender neutral)

The Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry at the University of Münster is offering a position initially limited to 3 years starting at 01.04.2025.

Full-time with 38,5 hours/week
Salary according to German TV-L

An opportunity has arisen for a PhD student with an interest in pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety to join our research group at the University of Münster. Our group investigates risk factors for oral diseases and preventive approaches. Research domains span from genetic and molecular traits to drug use and safety. We are an ambitious, curious, and enthusiastic international team that promotes scientific excellence and career development.

This position is part of a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project assesses the safety of medication use for oral diseases by applying rigorous study designs and methods from pharmacoepidemiology and genetic epidemiology. We implement these designs and analyze electronic health records to provide robust statistical insights aimed at minimizing observational study bias.

Your role:
You will be in charge of a work package of the project. You will prepare and register study protocols, perform data management of electronic health records, implement the pre-specified new/prevalent user or target trial designs, perform statistical analyses (such as inverse probability weighting and instrumental variable estimation), attend training activities, present findings in team/collaborator meetings and at international conferences, and write and publish scientific papers. After the three-year funding period, you will have published several impactful studies in the peer-reviewed literature, submitted your thesis, and successfully defended your PhD. The development of a personal fellowship and grant applications will be encouraged.

Prerequisites:

• We are interested in recruiting a talented and highly motivated individual with an academic degree (Master’s) in epidemiology, statistics, mathematics, or pharmacy. However, we have an open mind regarding the skills profile of a successful candidate for this position. Most importantly, we seek an inquisitive mind and the desire to adapt epidemiological methodology to questions of substantive clinical relevance. Experience in applying epidemiological designs and statistical methods to large observational data is important. An understanding of study design and causal inference in the field of pharmacoepidemiology is essential. Given the large datasets, computational skills are fundamental.
• The ideal candidate should have:
• A strong background in pharmacoepidemiology and causal inference with a keen interest in applications
• Good programming skills (Linux, R preferred, Python is a plus)
• Past experience in addressing drug safety issues using large claims or electronic health records
• Good communication skills and excellent command of English (German is a plus)

What We offer:

• Support for further personal development and training (e.g. structured development of leadership competencies)
• An interesting and versatile project with challenging tasks
• Access to the latest computing infrastructure
• Training and work in a multidisciplinary and committed research team

Please note that, while we can be flexible, some level of in-person work will be required; it will not be possible to undertake this position fully remotely.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister, T +49 251 83-48372.

We look forward to your online application until February 14, 2025!

The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them.