To strengthen our scientific research team that focuses on the design and evaluation of personalized and user-centered care technology, we are looking for a senior researcher. This researcher will initiate and coordinate scientific research within Roessingh Research and Development (RRD). In multidisciplinary, often international projects, you will focus on the role of users during the development and evaluation of care technology, such as eHealth applications, rehabilitation robots, or AI systems. We are seeking a senior researcher who, from the perspective of the end user, wants to and can make an impact on healthcare. It is essential that you are closely connected to everyday healthcare practice to ensure that project ideas can be developed together with healthcare partners. You aim to ensure that the user's perspective plays a pivotal role at every stage of developing and testing care technology with the ultimate aim to enhance its usability. Examples include setting up and applying citizen science, collaborating with stakeholders to develop patient journeys and service models, investigating the impact and facilitators of the adoption of care technology by users, mapping the required transformation processes in healthcare, and implementing technology. You will have a broad understanding of ‘users,’ which could include healthy individuals, patients, their families, healthcare professionals, but also healthcare organizations or care networks.

RRD is the research department of Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre in Enschede, which initiates, coordinates, and conducts academic-level research on personalized care technology, contributing to innovations in rehabilitation and healthcare. From the embedding within the care practice of Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre, we work closely with the University of Twente in Enschede at the intersection of clinical practice and technological innovation. This close connection allows RRD’s work to have a strong impact on healthcare practice, contributing significantly to what we value most: making a real difference in healthcare through our research. RRD employs around 20 staff members with multidisciplinary backgrounds, including biomedical and mechanical engineers, movement scientists, physiotherapists, and technical medical specialists. Most of our research takes place within funded projects, where RRD collaborates closely with companies, universities, research institutes, and healthcare providers from both the Netherlands and abroad.

 

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD graduate in human or (bio)medical sciences who wants to contribute to technological healthcare innovation in healthy aging and rehabilitation. Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English (both spoken and written) are essential, as you will collaborate with a wide range of disciplines from technical and clinical fields. You also need to interact respectfully with patients. You are an honest and meticulous researcher with a sense of responsibility, able to work independently and proactively, and collaborate well with others. You are a connector and a go-getter, someone who sees opportunities and can turn them into results, while keeping an overview of the bigger picture. Specifically, we are looking for someone who:

• Has completed relevant academic training and holds a PhD;
• Has several years of experience in setting up and coordinating multiple research projects;
• Has experience and a network in the field of human-centred design and/or care technology;
• Has successfully secured funding for research projects;
• Has insight into and an affinity for the combination of healthcare and technology.

We prefer candidates who meet all of these requirements. If you don’t (yet), but see this as the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

 

What do we offer?

This position offers a challenging and varied role in an enthusiastic team of researchers and innovation specialists, for 32-36 hours per week, initially for one year, with the possibility of a permanent appointment. The start date is flexible, and the position is available in the short term. The employment is subject to the Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals, with attractive secondary benefits. The position is classified in FWG 65, with a starting salary of €4,457 gross per month, based on a 36-hour work week. The grading of your salary level is dependent on your relevant work experience.

 

What does the role involve?

As a senior researcher, you will coordinate several different research projects. You will shape the content of each project, lead the RRD team working on the project, monitor progress and reporting, and communicate with project partners about the project's status. You will oversee the tasks and deadlines of multiple projects and prioritize work accordingly. Supervising PhD candidates is also part of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will build and expand your own network in the academic, clinical, and industrial fields, and present your research at conferences and other events, both regionally and internationally.

A significant aspect of your role is project acquisition. You will initiate new research projects and secure funding by applying for external project grants (e.g., from ZonMW or the European Commission) or by acquiring contract research. You will identify funding opportunities, transform your ideas into high-quality project proposals, and build a consortium of suitable project partners. You will independently apply for grants but work closely with other (senior) researchers on research acquisition at RRD.

 

More information

For more information, please contact Erik Prinsen, head of research (e.prinsen@rrd.nl).

 

How to apply

Written applications can be sent before October 30 to Roessingh Research and Development, HR department, attn: Marleen Maulany, P.O. Box 310, 7500 AH Enschede. We prefer to receive your application digitally at werken@roessingh.nl.