Predoctoral scientific researcher – Human Structure and Repair (28129)

→  Apply before [[January 20th 2025]] (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)→  Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences→  Department: [[Human Structure and Repair]]→  Occupancy rate:[[100%]]→  Number of positions: [[1]]→  Type of employment: [[Limited duration]]→  Term of assignment: [[48 months]]→  Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)→  Required diploma:[[Master]]
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
– At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
– Extended Reality (XR) applications possess the potential to transform medical and healthcare education significantly. By providing varying levels of immersion and engaging multiple sensory modalities, XR technologies facilitate the creation of highly personalised and interactive learning experiences. Nevertheless, despite these promising advantages, the adoption of XR in medical and healthcare training remains limited. This PhD project as part of the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 aims to address this gap by exploring the instructional design principles of technology-enhanced learning resources within the field. The research will encompass a thorough examination of instructional design principles in order to facilitate an effective implementation of XR in educational environments and enhance learning outcomes.
– This project presents an exciting opportunity for PhD candidates interested in pioneering research at the intersection of technology and education, with the potential to significantly influence the future of healthcare training.
– Science objectives:
1) To scan anatomical specimens and develop high-fidelity 3D models that can be integrated in virtual learning environments;
2) To define a list of requirements to which an anatomical XR learning environment needs to comply (promote presence and agency through e.g., the desired amount of immersion, interactivity and collaboration, assessment features);
3) To create a study framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed anatomical XR learning environments on medical students’ learning outcomes (both factual and conceptual knowledge) as well as the student cognitions (cognitive load, motivation, self-efficacy).
– Training objectives:
1) Development of anatomical knowledge and dissection skills;
2) Creation of 3D scanned anatomical specimens;
3) Educational/pedagogical insights: gain expertise in instructional design principles and educational theories to effectively align XR environments with learning objectives. Acquire skills required to conduct research in educational settings;
4) Technological insights into the development of XR applications.
– Secondments: 1) 3 months at Graz University of Technology (TUG) to deepen the technical knowledge on software development in XR learning environments; 2) 3 months at University Hospital of Essen (UKE) to familiarize with the challenges of interdisciplinary collaborations and with the developed prototypes of the XR environments before implementation; 3) 3 months at Apoqlar (APQ) University Hospital of Essen to familiarize with the practical integration of academic innovations into real-world applications, focusing on understanding technology valorization and IPR in the context of the project; to gain insight into product development processes, technology transfer, and IP strategies, and fostering collaboration.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
– You hold a Master’s degree or similar education level in health sciences (medicine, physiotherapy, sports, biomedicine, audiology/logopaedics). Knowledge of human anatomy and a proven track record are required. Additionally, a strong interest in educational sciences (e.g., educational research, instructional design) and immersive environments will be a plus. Knowledge of Dutch is not required but a plus.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
– We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 4 years
– Your contract will start on 1/03/2025 at the earliest.
– Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
– All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
– In the field ‘CV’: your CV (max 2 pgs) and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
– In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format (max 3 pgs)
– In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
– In the field “other documents”: a reference letter from 2 appropriate referees or contact details of two referees
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Wouter Willaert ([email protected], +32(0)9/3328950). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36