PhD Integrating ecology, mathematical modelling and social science to mitigate tropical disease risk

Are you interested in integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to better understand and mitigate tropical disease Are you curious about conducting international research and working in a highly interdisciplinary team The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is looking for a highly motivated PhD to investigate the seasonality of a neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis and co-design intervention methods with communities most impacted.

About the position

Despite decades of interventions schistosomiasis remains a global public health challenge delaying the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal #3 Ensure healthy lives and promote

well-being for all at all ages. This snail-borne disease impacts >250 million people worldwide. However the control of schistosomiasis is not prioritized over many other diseases as mortality is the result of decades-long chronic infections and it occurs primarily in low-income rural settings in the Global order to tackle this global public health crisis there is an urgent need for effective interventions that local communities want to use for their health and wellbeing.

This PhD position will focus on understanding and harnessing the seasonality of the intermediate host of the schistosomiasis cycle: snails. The chosen candidate will (1) collect field and lab data on snail populations across a period of two years in collaboration with researchers in Tanzania (2) they will adapt and apply mathematical models (ordinary differential equations ODEs) to better understand how seasonality impacts snail populations and infection outcomes and (3) work closely with local communities to develop locally-ground intervention methodologies informed by data and model outcomes.

The chosen candidate will be based in the SNAIL lab led by Dr. Naima Starkloff in the Evolutionary and Population Biology (EPB) Department at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The SNAIL lab uses ecological knowledge to tackle questions of public health importance in human modified landscapes. We work in close collaboration with researchers at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Mwanza Tanzania.

What are you going to do

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Co-designing and conducting field ecological surveys lab experiments and social science surveys;
• Adapting and parameterizing existing ODE model;
• Conducting statistical analyses;
• Communicating with local and international researchers and stakeholders;
• Writing publications for peer-reviewed journals;
• Mentoring BSc and MSc students.

Your profile

Your experience and profile:

• MSc in ecology geography life sciences public health environmental science or similar;
• Strong background in analytical skills such as statistics data management etc. (strong preference for a candidate with a background in mathematical modeling);
• Experience in scripting/programming (e.g. R Python);
• Background or strong interest in social science approaches such as interviews surveys etc.;
• Interest passion and experience in the ecological questions that impact human and/or environmental health and well-being;
• Proficiency in scientific writing;
• Experience or strong interest in international and interdisciplinary research;
• Ability to speak and communicate in English at an academic level.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to the total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is by or before 1 May 2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. For this position the University Job Classification profile Promovendus (PhD candidate) applies. Your salary will be 3059 gross per month in the first year and will increase to 3881 in the final year based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. In addition you will receive a 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management handling stress and an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with registration at UvA- Housing for a studio or small apartment when youre moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a look here.

About us

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants animals and microorganisms) and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellenthigh performance computingfacilities. Furthermore IBED has a dedicatedcomputational support teamwith specialized knowledge of bioinformatics (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.

The position will be based in the Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology. Evolutionary and Population Biology Research in the department of Evolutionary and Population Biology focuses on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive community dynamics and speciation and determine biodiversity patterns.

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the Apply-button on the vacancys webpage. We accept applications until and including 4 March 2026.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file:

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation (highlighting your past experiences and the value of interdisciplinary work in your career trajectory);
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details:national knowledge security guidelines)

The initial interviews will be held in early March 2026.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• Naima Starkloff Assistant Professor