"PhD candidate 3D hand trial"

32 hours per week

Location AMC

Fixed time

€3,108 - €3,939

Respond by September 22, 2025

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What are you going to research?

For people with impaired hand function, a custom-made hand orthosis can significantly improve the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), such as self-care and cooking. However, manufacturing these orthoses is labor-intensive and expensive. Our previous research shows that 3D printing hand orthoses is less labor-intensive and potentially just as effective and less expensive than conventional orthoses.

This 3D hand trial, funded by ZonMw, aims to evaluate innovative care solutions for people with chronic hand conditions. We are investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 3D-printed hand orthoses compared to conventional orthoses in people with chronic hand conditions. We are evaluating whether performing ADLs with a 3D-printed orthosis is as good as or better than with the conventional orthosis and whether 3D-printed orthoses lead to higher patient satisfaction. We are also investigating whether 3D printing hand orthoses leads to more cost-effective care.

Would you like to learn more about the different phases of the PhD program? Here ...

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What are you going to do?

Your duties include:

• recruiting and including participants;
• instructing healthcare professionals to manufacture orthoses in a uniform manner;
• administering questionnaires and interviews to participants;
• analysis of data, including a cost-effectiveness analysis in close collaboration with an HTA expert;
• processing research results in scientific articles that lead to a dissertation;
• presenting your work at national and international conferences;
• supervising student projects.

What are you bringing ?

You are an enthusiastic, motivated researcher and recognize yourself in this profile:

• You have completed a relevant academic master's degree in a field such as human movement sciences, health sciences, clinical epidemiology, technical medicine, physiotherapy, or a similar field. (General) physicians are not eligible for this position.
• You have demonstrable affinity and experience with scientific research, including experience with statistical analyses.
• Clinical experience in rehabilitation and/or with orthoses/aids is an advantage.
• You have excellent communication and social skills. You easily connect with others, maintain relationships with stakeholders, and work well in a multidisciplinary team.
• You are enterprising, independent, proactive and have strong organizational skills, essential for successfully setting up and executing the trial.
• You are fluent in both Dutch and English, both spoken and written.