PhD position: The Power of Personalization Revolutionizing Osteoarthritis Treatment
Are you eager to make a real impact on the lives of people with osteoarthritis? We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and curious PhD candidate to join our Health Technology and Services Research (HTSR) section at the Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences.
Are you eager to make a real impact on the lives of people with osteoarthritis? We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and curious PhD candidate to join our Health Technology and Services Research (HTSR) section at the Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences. At HTSR, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team of around 35 scientists, where personal growth, professional development, and a strong sense of community are highly valued. You will contribute to the TopTreat consortium by analysing and optimising new personalized strategies for osteoarthritis diagnosis and care, based on collected clinical data and technological innovations (TopTreat-onderzoek artrose).
The Challenge
By 2040, osteoarthritis will become the most prevalent chronic disease, leading to high healthcare costs, disability, and large societal burden. Current prognostic markers and treatment options are limited, with little knowledge to tailor interventions to individuals. TopTreat will develop a platform and new diagnostic tools to collect detailed osteoarthritis disease characteristics and identify subgroups with rapid disease progression or poor treatment response. This will enable more personalized treatment ultimately improving the health of thousands!
Job description
In addition to optimizing treatment outcomes in osteoarthritis, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is essential for ensuring efficient and sustainable healthcare. Therefore, we are looking for a PhD candidate who wants to combine expertise in healthcare, technology, and quantitative analysis. Using data from the TopTreat consortium, you will identify prognostic markers to support personalized treatment, and assess their health economic impact through simulation modeling. Beyond this unique project, this position offers an exciting opportunity to advance simulation techniques in HTA!
Information and application
Submit your application before June 30, 2025. We will fill this position as soon as we find the right candidate, so we encourage early applications.
Your application must include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), explaining your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, an overview of publications, as well as up to three references.
- Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
For additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Erik Koffijberg at h.koffijberg@utwente.nl or Dr. Michelle Kip at m.m.a.kip@utwente.nl.
About the department
At HTSR (https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/htsr/), multidisciplinary expertise is combined to support decisions on health innovation development, evaluation, optimization, and implementation. Research focuses on quantitative analyses supporting strategies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. The HTSR section is part of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS, https://www.utwente.nl/nl/bms/) and the Technical Medical Center (TechMed, https://www.utwente.nl/nl/techmed/), a leading innovation hub of the University of Twente.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
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