"Joint PhD: Prevent Falls with Augmented Reality (FallAR) at Maastricht and Hasselt University"

Job Summary: The project focuses on using augmented reality (AR) technology to evaluate and reduce fall risk in fall-prone populations. The goal is to develop a novel approach for fall prevention with practical applications in daily life, collaborating with researchers and partners like Strolll.

Responsibilities: Co-develop the FallAR fall risk evaluation application and assess its reliability and validity; conduct a feasibility study of FallAR fall prevention training at home, focusing on safety, adherence, and usability; lead a pragmatic RCT of the FallAR training in clinical pathways; write scientific papers and present at international conferences; teach and supervise students in Bachelor and Master courses.

Qualifications and Requirements: Hold a relevant master’s degree in fields such as Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Physiotherapy, or Technical Medicine; be curious about technology in healthcare, especially AR for older adults; be fluent in Dutch and English; work in a structured, goal-oriented manner with strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and organizational capacity; have experience with clinical or experimental research, ideally in fall prevention or related areas; be a team player in a collaborative environment; value transparency and open science.

What the Employer Offers: A 4-year joint PhD program between UHasselt and Maastricht University, with employment split (first two years at UHasselt, last two at Maastricht University); salary ranging from €3537 to €3707 per month in scale P; additional benefits including 8.0% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, flexible working hours, partial remote work, 29 vacation days plus 4 public holidays, pension scheme, and opportunities for personal and professional development.