PhD Researcher in Vascular Medicine and Cardiovascular Care Equity
Join a multidisciplinary PhD project to improve cholesterol treatment equity and patient adherence in cardiovascular care.
Best for:Best for medical doctors with clinical research experience, strong statistical skills, and a passion for translational medicine and health equity.
Overview
This three-year PhD position at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam focuses on advancing cardiovascular care by addressing disparities in cholesterol management. The project investigates why some patients—particularly women, individuals from migrant backgrounds, and those in lower socioeconomic groups—receive suboptimal treatment for hypercholesterolemia. You will conduct clinical research, coordinate collaborations with hospitals and universities, and explore factors influencing patient and clinician decision-making, such as medication packaging, health literacy, and shared decision-making barriers. The multidisciplinary team includes vascular medicine, cardiology, pharmacy, primary care, and patient advocacy groups. This role offers autonomy to shape research directions while contributing to evidence-based improvements in cardiovascular health equity.
What you'll do
- Conduct clinical research to investigate why certain patient groups receive suboptimal cholesterol treatment, focusing on gender, socioeconomic status, and migration background.
- Coordinate research activities across Erasmus MC and collaborating hospitals and universities, ensuring seamless collaboration with vascular medicine, cardiology, pharmacy, and primary care teams.
- Explore factors influencing patient and clinician decision-making regarding statin therapy, including medication packaging, health literacy, and perceptions of cardiovascular risk.
- Analyze clinical data and statistical results to identify barriers to optimal cardiovascular care and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Act as a liaison between researchers, clinicians, and patient advocacy groups to integrate patient perspectives into the research design and findings.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Develop and implement research protocols in alignment with ethical guidelines and institutional policies.
- Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities within the Erasmus MC research community.
Requirements
Degree required: Medical Doctor (MD) degree or equivalent, with clinical experience in internal medicine or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for academic writing and research communication. Dutch fluency is preferred for patient interactions and local collaboration.
Instruction: English
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with an affinity for statistics or experience using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or SAS)
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills for academic and clinical settings
- Ability to conduct clinical research and analyze medical data
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary research projects
- Familiarity with ethical research practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., VOG declaration, BIG registration)
- Must be a medical doctor (MD) or equivalent with clinical experience
- Must be willing to provide a Declaration of Good Conduct (VOG), valid ID, medical diploma, and relevant registrations (e.g., BIG or RGS)
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned, but eligibility for Dutch employment is implied
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Interested candidates should apply through the Erasmus MC recruitment portal. Submit your CV, cover letter, medical diploma, Declaration of Good Conduct (VOG), valid ID, and any relevant registrations (e.g., BIG or RGS). Ensure all documents are in English or Dutch. The application process involves a review of qualifications and an interview with the supervisory team.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Medical diploma (MD or equivalent)
- Declaration of Good Conduct (VOG)
- Valid ID
- BIG or RGS registration (if applicable)
Contact
Dr. M. Lafeber· Internist – Vascular Medicine
06-501 552 07
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