In the section Health Technology and Services research at the University of Twente, we believe in making healthcare decisions that truly reflect the needs and values of patients. For that purpose, we are participating in a large international project dedicated to revolutionizing patient-centered decision making in healthcare with partners from different universities, industry and patient organizations. Within this project, we offer two PhD positions. The project contains different workstreams, and the PhD’s will be working along senior staff to perform tasks in different workstreams, in strong collaboration with multiple international partners and fellow PhDs from all over the world.
Key Responsibilities
Both PhD’s will conduct one high-quality systematic literature review on existing methods and/or applications to integrate patient preference information, clinical outcome assessments, and information from digital health technologies.
Each PhD will be involved in a case study where data on patient reported outcomes, patient needs and preferences, and clinical outcomes will be collected with digital health technologies, and analyzed using innovative statistical methods.
PhD project 1 will focus on systematic ways to engage patients and include their perspectives on health care innovation in a case study, but also on how to include different partners in the project and the development of a framework for obtaining a robust view of a health innovations full benefits to patients.
PhD project 2 will focus on the development and application of innovative methods for data-analysis and integration, including AI based methods to combine the different types of data, using data from different case studies.
Both PhD projects are closely related, and the PhD’s are expected to collaborate together and with PhD’s and project partners around the world.
Information and application
Submit your application before the 20th of August 2025.
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. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
First interview rounds last week of August / First week of September.
For additional information, please contact dr. Karin Groothuis-Oudshoorn at c.g.m.oudshoorn@utwente.nl (between the 15th of July and 9th of August) or dr. Janine van Til at j.a.vantil@utwente.nl (between the 11th and 20th of August).
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.
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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