PhD: AI & POMDP-Driven Cancer Follow-Up Optimization

Erasmus University Rotterdam; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible home-based work

41 days paid leave + 8% holiday pay

Pension (ABP)

Career budget for development

Dutch language courses

Job summary

Erasmus University Rotterdam is seeking a PhD candidate to develop and evaluate a mathematical model and AI decision-making algorithms for tailored cancer follow-up. The role combines data analysis with participatory research, engaging patients and clinicians to optimise surveillance strategies across tumour streams.

You will work within the EMPOWER alliance at Erasmus MC and collaborate with the Delft and EUR groups, contributing to sustainable cancer care and workforce planning in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated modelling and algorithmic experience, especially with POMDPs.
• Solid Python programming skills and ability to read/adapt existing model code.
• Ability to analyze patient-level or registry data.
• Experience engaging clinicians and patients in research settings.
• Experience with participatory design and focus groups is a plus.
• Excellent command of English; Dutch is preferred for group work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate a mathematical model and AI decision-making algorithms for cancer follow-up optimization.
• Engage patients and clinicians to assess feasibility and workload implications.
• Map data sources, define model specifications, and build an extrapolation framework.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams across Europe to generalise findings.

Skills

POMDP modelling

Python programming

Data analysis

Clinical engagement

Participatory design

English proficiency

Dutch language (preferred)

Education

Master’s degree in econometrics

Mathematics

Computer science

Biomedical sciences

Artificial intelligence / Data science

Job description

Erasmus University Rotterdam is seeking a PhD candidate to develop and evaluate a mathematical model and AI decision-making algorithms for tailored cancer follow-up. The role combines data analysis with participatory research, engaging patients and clinicians to optimise surveillance strategies across tumour streams.

You will work within the EMPOWER alliance at Erasmus MC and collaborate with the Delft and EUR groups, contributing to sustainable cancer care and workforce planning in a dynamic,