Professor of Health Data Science

As professor of Health Data Science you will lead the development of innovative methods that strengthen the responsible and effective use of data and advanced statistical learning techniques (including AI) in health research.

Role Description

As professor of Health Data Science, you will lead the Data Science team within the Department of Data Science & Biostatistics at the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care. This team, consisting of methodologists, statisticians, and data scientists, contributes to the development, evaluation, and implementation of state-of-the-art research methods at the intersection of data science, (bio)statistics, and epidemiology.

In this role, you will focus on research questions that enhance the development and evaluation of advanced analytical models using health data. This includes methods for prediction, explainability, prediction under intervention, algorithmic fairness, transparent model validation, and post-deployment quality control. You will also lead the implementation of the Data Science Plan within the Julius Center and coordinate the development of data science and AI education for healthcare professionals and master students.

Your research will contribute to the six strategic research programs of UMC Utrecht: Infection & Immunity, Circulatory Health, Cancer, Brain, Child Health, and Regenerative Medicine, and to the Life Sciences strategic theme of Utrecht University. You will collaborate closely within the UMC Utrecht AI Methods Lab, the 3AI program, and the EWUU alliance (TU/e, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht).

Your Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and implement methods that improve the predictive performance, transparency, and reproducibility of health data science research.
• Lead and coordinate the Data Science Plan, promoting the application of advanced analytical methods within and beyond the Julius Center.
• Collaborate with researchers across UMC Utrecht’s six strategic programs to develop and apply methods that directly contribute to impactful clinical research.
• Engage in national and international networks and contribute to guidelines and quality standards for prediction research and explainability.
• Acquire project funding, to support the team and 80% of your own salary.
• Supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students, and contribute to curriculum development, including data science education for healthcare professionals.
• Promote Open Science by sharing research results, code, and (synthetic) data wherever possible, and engage in public dialogue about the role of AI in healthcare.

Work Environment

As knowledge center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, the Julius Center conducts multidisciplinary scientific research into new diagnosis and treatment methods. It also provides education from the bachelor’s to postgraduate level.

The Health Data Science Chair is embedded within the Department of Data Science & Biostatistics and is part of Utrecht University’s strategic theme Life Sciences. The chair collaborates closely with other departments within the Julius Center, as well as partners within the 3AI program and the EWUU alliance.

Your direct supervisor will be Professor Miriam Sturkenboom, Head of the Department of Data Science & Biostatistics.

Requirements

• A recognized international track record in (bio)statistics, data science and epidemiological methods, with a focus on the development and evaluation of prediction models based on health data.
• Knowledge of ethical and EU regulatory aspects such as the AI Act and experience in creating guidance for transparent reporting, risk of bias assessment, and explainability of prediction models.
• A proven ability to lead research groups, foster collaboration, and secure research funding.
• Demonstrated teaching excellence and experience at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels (University Teaching Qualification required) in English and Dutch.
• A collaborative and transparent leadership style, focused on development, innovation, and scientific integrity, aligned with UMC Utrecht’s leadership principles.
• You meet the Utrecht University requirements for full professorship (completed PhD, leadership, high visibility output, tangible impact and extensive teaching experience).
• You are enthusiastic, innovative, and driven, with international visibility in your field.

Practical Information

• Applications should be addressed to professor Jeroen de Ridder, chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee (BAC).
• For questions about the position, please contact professor Miriam Sturkenboom, head of the Department of Data Science & Biostatistics, via M.C.J.Sturkenboom@umcutrecht.nl or +31 (0)6 57 83 19 83.
• A leadership assessment is part of the selection process, as well as the preparation of a portfolio by the candidate proposed for appointment.

What We Offer

• A salary between € 8,110 and € 10,545 gross per month (based on a full-time position, according to the Dutch University Medical Centers collective labor agreement CAO-UMC).
• A permanent employment contract.
• Full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting distances over 7 km, or € 0.18 per km for other modes of transport (up to 40 km one way for car travel).
• An 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% holiday allowance.
• An attractive pension plan (ABP), with UMC Utrecht covering 70% of the premium.
• A flexible benefits package allowing you to exchange part of your salary for benefits such as a bicycle, internet subscription, or professional memberships.