Projectmanager UNITY project – multidisciplinary research consortium

As project manager, you play a central role in the successful implementation of the UNITY project. You will work within the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC) at Erasmus MC and ensure the project runs smoothly, on time, and within agreed parameters.

You recognize yourself in the profile below. You:

• Coordinate the execution and planning of the UNITY project.
• Monitor progress, deadlines, and coherence across the work packages.
• Support work package leaders in organizing meetings, workshops, and simulation exercises.
• Maintain contact with ZonMw and ensure timely reporting.
• Identify risks and bottlenecks and proactively address them.

In addition, you will support data management, ethical review procedures, and the dissemination of results such as public communications and policy briefs.

Experience with ZonMw or other research funding bodies is a plus. In addition, the following is important:

• A university degree (MSc or PhD) in a relevant field such as public health, policy studies, or project management.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating or supporting research projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple timelines.
• Proactive and organizational skills, and strong communication skills in an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

UNITY – UNified Integration of Health and Societal Impact Translation of Yield to Policy and Practice – is a ZonMw-funded research consortium. The project will run for 16 months. Its goal is to develop, test, and refine an integrated decision-making framework that supports policymakers with scientifically grounded, inclusive, and practically feasible advice during pandemics and health crises. The project includes knowledge synthesis, modeling, framework development, simulation exercises, and reflections on the interaction between science and policy.

UNITY Work Packages

• WP1: Data, Knowledge, and Knowledge Synthesis – collects and integrates biomedical, public health, and socio-economic knowledge for decision-making during pandemics.
• WP2: Integrated Decision-Making Framework – develops the framework, tools, and practice-oriented guidelines for integrated advice.
• WP3: Modeling – focuses on integrated models that connect health, economic, and societal outcomes.
• WP4: Simulation Exercises and Practical Feasibility – tests (parts of) the framework in simulation exercises and assesses the practical feasibility of integrated advice.
• WP5: Reflection, Interaction, and Mutual Learning – analyzes interactions between science and policy and promotes reflection and learning within UNITY and with external stakeholders.

The cross-cutting themes are interwoven throughout all five work packages and focus on the position of vulnerable groups during crises, citizen participation in scientific advice, and handling scientific uncertainties.

The UNITY consortium is a collaboration between Erasmus MC (Viroscience, Public Health, and the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center), Erasmus University Rotterdam (ESSB and ESHPM), Radboudumc (IQ-Health and Primary Care), UMC Utrecht, Maastricht University, Utrecht University, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, SEO Economic Research and Nivel.

About the PDPC and the Convergence
Erasmus MC, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam collaborate in the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC). The PDPC prepares society for future pandemics and disasters by reducing vulnerabilities and risks and building resilience through effective prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Combining technical, medical, and social sciences is essential for developing the next generation of response strategies. Due to climate change, unexpected virus outbreaks and extreme climate-related disasters are likely to increase. The PDPC helps protect society by translating lessons learned into practical prevention and intervention strategies.

The PDPC is housed at Erasmus MC, a leading national and international center for research in virology, public health, preventive medicine, and healthcare system innovation. You will work in an inspiring interdisciplinary environment where you contribute to shaping the future of health and society.

• A temporary appointment for 16 months. You will start on 1 September 2025 and work until 31 December 2026.
• A gross monthly salary of at least €4,818 and up to €6,594 (scale 11).
• A 13th month paid in November and a travel allowance.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We pay 70% of your pension premium, which means your net salary may be higher than you expect.
• Living abroad? Our International Office will help you prepare for your arrival and stay.
• Sports facilities at Erasmus MC. Got a flat tire? Our bike mechanic will gladly repair it.

Make this vacancy your new job! Apply now via the application button. Action is where it begins.

Questions about the vacancy? Contact one of our colleagues:

• Bart Blokland, Junior Researcher PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 525 987 36
• Jeannette de Boer, Head of Education PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 414 901 69
• Anja Schreijer, Medical Director PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 109 163 92

This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In case of equal suitability, internal candidates are given priority.