Project: Methodological and statistical challenges in remote assessment of disease and relapse in CNS disorders

The Center for Contextual Psychiatry, headed by Prof. Inez Myin-Germeys, is looking for a PhD candidate to work on methodological and statistical challenges related to active and passive remote monitoring in central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

The Center for Contextual Psychiatry is a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented research center, widely recognized for its expertise in the design, application, and analysis of studies and clinical trials using Ambulatory Assessment and Experience Sampling Methodology in the context of Mental Health research. The Center is part of the Department of Neurosciences in the School of Medicine at KU Leuven, one of the most renowned research universities in Europe.

[Project]
This project aims to examine how variability in sleep, physical activity, speech, mood, and cognition as assessed in real life using both active and passive remote monitoring is predictive of clinical course in CNS disorders (i.e., depression, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis). This project is part of a large European consortium combining clinical work packages on depression, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, with technical work packages on sensor and app development and with data processing work packages including machine learning. The goal of the current project is to serve a bridge function between all of these work packages encompassing 1) the translation of clinical needs into measurable variables and appropriate analysis schemes and 2) the development and application of state-of-the-art analysis methods for intensive longitudinal data as collected in the context of ambulatory assessment and experience sampling studies.

[Profile]
The successful candidate has a Master degree in Applied Statistics or in the Social/Health Sciences, with a strong interest in both research design/methodology and statistics. We are looking for an innovative and creative personality, with the ability to independently generate novel solutions in methodologically challenging areas. Experience with multilevel modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and mixed effect models is an advantage. Experience with (ideally multiple) statistical software packages (R, Stata, SAS, ...) is required. The candidate should have good command of English (written and oral). Motivated students of all nationalities, who have the ability and desire to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment with a strong commitment to basic and/or clinical research are invited to apply.

[Offer]
Salaries for PhD students are competitive by international standards. A contract for one year will be offered, which is renewable for another three years after positive evaluation. Starting date is flexible but no later than June 2016.

[Interested?]
Interested candidates can apply by email ([log in to unmask]).

Applications should include a cover letter in which you specify why you are interested in the position and why you consider yourself a suitable candidate, a detailed CV, and the names and contact information of at least two references.

Master candidates (graduating spring 2016) are also encouraged to apply.

The deadline for application is April 29 2016.

Additional information and a description of the project can be obtained by contacting Prof. Dr. Inez Myin-Germeys ([log in to unmask]).

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