PhD position Causal Inference Solutions for the Prediction Paradox in Deployed AI-based Prediction Model

Join the Data Science group at the Julius Center (UMC Utrecht) to develop, evaluate, and apply innovative methods to enhance AI-based prediction in healthcare. Contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

Dit ga je doen

This PhD position is part of the VIDI project The MOT (‘APK’) for safe and effective predictive AI in healthcare: methods for periodic tests and revision, funded by ZonMW. This project brings together experts in prediction modeling, causal inference, and data science/AI and aims to yield novel insights relevant to how we can better monitor the performance of (AI-based) prediction models that are deployed in healthcare settings. This is especially challenging for prediction models that are used to support medical decisions that influence the outcome that is predicted.

The PhD candidate will:

• Create an up-to-date overview of approaches that are able to adequately deal with the prediction paradox in deployed AI-based prediction models.
• Develop and evaluate methods for quantifying and dealing with the prediction paradox.
• Apply the new methods in the monitoring of performance of prediction models that are deployed in healthcare practice.
• Work together in a broad team of experienced researchers, clinical experts, and experts on prediction model implementation, deployment, and quality management.
• Present the work in relevant scientific journals and at international scientific conferences.

Hier ga je werken

The Data Science team at the Julius Center is a growing group of researchers working on methods and applications of AI in healthcare. The PhD candidate will be embedded in the AI methods lab of the UMC Utrecht. Furthermore, you will work in close collaboration with clinical experts and experts on deployment and quality control of AI in the UMC Utrecht.

You will work together in a diverse team of excellent researchers in the field of prediction models and causal inference at the Julius Center. The supervision team will consist of Dr. Maarten van Smeden, Prof. Dr. Ewout Steyerberg, Dr. Wouter van Amsterdam, and Dr. Oisin Ryan.

Dit neem je mee

Background

Prediction models based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) play an increasingly important role across medical specialties, with the aim to support medical decision-making for individual patients. While it is widely recognized that AI tools need periodic tests and maintenance (“updating”) to guarantee safety and effectiveness in medical decision-making, there is currently no agreement on how and how frequent such tests must be done. This project explores, using in-depth methods research and real-world use cases of implemented AI-based prediction models, how to determine how often an AI-based prediction model needs testing, and to what degree deteriorated predictions can be foreseen and prevented. The ambition is to provide a new framework with concrete guidance on performing periodic tests and maintenance: MOT, not for motor vehicles, but for safe and effective AI in healthcare.

The prediction paradox describes the phenomenon that predictions can influence behaviors that in turn invalidate predictions. Consider the following hypothetical example: a model developed and deployed in a hospital for 1-year cardiovascular disease risk. Only patients with a predicted risk >5% will receive preventive treatment in this hospital. The preventive treatment is effective, which means that the actual 1-year cardiovascular disease risk of patients receiving treatment is lowered. A little more than a year post-deployment, the hospital monitoring the performance of the prediction model detects that the predicted risks in their patients with >5% predicted risks are higher than the actual risks of these patients, as only they have received preventive treatment. Clearly, the CPM has adequately done its job. However, the predictions no longer correspond with observed risks: the CPM appears to be miscalibrated.

Profile

• MSc in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, AI, or a related technical discipline.
• Scientific curiosity, creativity, perseverance in completing challenging projects, and an interdisciplinary outlook.
• Demonstrable experience with scientific programming, e.g., in Python, Julia, or R.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Desire to develop further as an independent scientist.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike, or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.

Wij geloven in de kracht van een divers team waarin ruimte is voor verschillende vaardigheden, expertises, sociale en culturele achtergronden. Wij zijn benieuwd naar jou!