"PhD Candidate Visual Rehabilitation for Hemianopia Using Virtual Reality (1.0 FTE) (V25.0499)"

Job description

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of science? Are you looking for a PhD position where you can translate your curiosity into concrete research results and a dissertation? Then the PhD position "Visual Rehabilitation for Hemianopia Using Virtual Reality" at the University of Groningen (RUG) is exactly what you're looking for!

As a PhD candidate in "Visual Rehabilitation for Hemianopia Using Virtual Reality," you will be part of the "Virtual Reality for Enriched Visual Rehabilitation" (VR4eVR) project, a collaborative project between the University of Groningen (UG), the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University, Tilburg University, and Royal Visio. As a VR4eVR PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity, under supervision, to develop your own insights, collect data, and share your findings with both academic colleagues and professional partners worldwide. Together with a motivated team, you will work on meaningful solutions and contribute to the future of your field.

The VR4eVR project focuses on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the visual rehabilitation of people with hemianopia resulting from a stroke. In co-creation with end users, a rehabilitation program is being developed that patients can use at home. The project has been running for a year and a half, and various VR applications are currently being developed. This development will be completed by the start of your PhD program. Want to know more about the project and your future colleagues? Visit the website: vr4evr.nl ( https://vr4evr.nl/ ).

As a PhD candidate, you will be evaluating the developed VR applications within this project. Specifically, this means that you will 1) conduct a pilot study investigating the feasibility and usability of VR-based home training, 2) conduct a large-scale evaluation study investigating the training's effectiveness, and 3) contribute to developing a strategy for implementing the developed VR training in visual rehabilitation.

This research project is being conducted in close collaboration with Royal Visio, the expertise center for blind and partially sighted people in the Netherlands. The aforementioned training courses are offered at various Visio locations. Data collection takes place at various locations in the Netherlands, requiring flexibility from the PhD candidate regarding travel.

Why would you want to fulfill this role?

1. Making an impact: in this role, you'll directly contribute to scientific insights that address societal issues. Your research translates not only into publications but also into concrete solutions, ensuring tangible impact.

2. Personal development: you'll have the opportunity to develop into an expert with the support of experienced scientists. This combination of research and education offers ample opportunities for professional and personal growth.

As a PhD candidate you will perform the following tasks:

• You conduct research that results in a dissertation and is in line with the objectives and requirements of the project.
• You organize and carry out data collection for the subprojects.
• You publish research results in international scientific journals.
• You present the research to a broad audience of both (international) fellow scientists and practice partners.
• You work together with fellow scientists on the larger project.
• You contribute to a limited number of educational activities at the Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, such as working groups and guest lectures.

This is where you'll work.

The University of Groningen is among the top European universities and has an international focus. The university is socially active and engaged with its community. Researchers and lecturers across a wide range of disciplines practice their work with a passion for science. Everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. The talent, ambition, and achievement of its 33,000 students and 6,500 employees are fully encouraged.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is strong in research and education related to human behavior, thinking, learning, and social coexistence. We address social issues and problems that people experience in daily life. Our focus is on individual and societal resilience and how we can enhance it. We focus on migration, environment and climate, health, parenting and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences employs over 650 staff members.

More information about the faculty can be found at https://www.rug.nl/gmw/

Within the Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology core unit, research is conducted on patients with neurological disorders, developmental disorders, and visual impairments. The research focuses on the nature of these disorders, the effects of treatments, and the consequences of these disorders for social participation. More information about the research group can be found via the link: https://www.rug.nl/(...)tal-neuropsychology/

Job requirements

For this position we are looking for someone who:

• A completed (research) master's degree in, for example, psychology, biomedical technology, movement sciences, or a related field.
• Is enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
• Has a good command of the Dutch and English language.
• Possesses good academic writing skills, social and communication skills and is willing to work with other team members.
• You have a demonstrable affinity for conducting, (statistically) analyzing and reporting research.
• Enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
• Possess good organizational skills and perseverance.
• Demonstrates competencies such as conceptual ability, presenting, planning and monitoring progress.
• Possesses strong social and clinical skills. In this research project, you will work with people with neurological disorders that can significantly impact their quality of life and social participation.
• You have an independent work ethic, are a good planner, and can collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. In this research project, you will collaborate with healthcare professionals, technicians, other researchers, and students.

Organization

Working conditions

In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer:

• A salary of €3,059 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of €3,881 gross per month in the fourth and final year based on a full-time working week.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus on the annual gross income.
• A temporary contract of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will initially receive a temporary contract for one year. After a positive performance and development review, the contract will be extended for the remaining three years.
• Based on a 38-hour workweek (full-time), you receive 232 vacation hours. You can choose a 36- or 40-hour workweek. If you choose a 40-hour workweek, you'll save an additional 96 hours of vacation time annually. If you choose to work 36 hours full-time, you'll lose 96 vacation hours annually.
• A good pension plan with the ABP pension fund.

Effective date: February 1, 2026

Application

Does this sound like your dream job? Then we can't wait to meet you. Apply now, and who knows, you might become our new PhD candidate. We'd love to receive your application by October 30, 2025 (based solely on the application form):

• Application letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• A short essay (max. 2 A4 pages) describing your role within the project and how you would approach it (including potential challenges and your own ideas). More information about the project can be found on the website vr4evr.nl; this PhD program focuses on phases 3, 4, and 5 of the VR4eVR project.

The selection interviews will generally take place on the morning of November 10, 2025. Depending on the number of interviews, the selection interview may also take place on the afternoon of November 12, 2025.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. We view working towards our core values ​​of inclusivity and equality as a shared responsibility, and we work constructively to create a socially safe environment. The diversity of students and staff enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our education and research. Therefore, we particularly encourage applicants from socially underrepresented groups to apply. For more information, see our page on our diversity policy: https://www.rug.nl/(...)rsity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code: https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code of the European Commission.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Information

For information, please contact:

• Dr. Minke de Boer, postdoctoral researcher/co-promotor, minke.de.boer@rug.nl

Please do not use the above email address(es) to respond to vacancies.