Vacancy Postdoc researcher on the integration of workforce sustainability into health economic evaluations

Job description

Are you keen on contributing to the sustainability of the healthcare system? On developing and applying methods that make an impact? We have an excellent opportunity for you. Are you the curious and open colleague we are looking for? We encourage you to apply!

As the healthcare sector faces a looming staffing crisis, innovative technologies are being developed to alleviate the burden on care staff. However, the effectiveness of these technologies in saving time for healthcare professionals remains unclear, and the actual benefits depend largely on how the saved time is utilized. This project, funded by ZonMw, aims to understand the real-world implications of these changes in staffing requirements, ensuring that health technology assessments (HTAs) reflect these shifts in a transparent, accountable, and evidence-based manner.

We are seeking a motivated postdoc researcher to join a project aimed at:

• Identifying the real-world consequences of saved staff time and how these lead to changes in workforce deployment.
• Developing and applying methodologies to assess the value of these consequences and integrating them into health economic models.
• Creating a generic framework for assessing and integrating workforce deployment changes into HTAs, based on two case studies. These case studies are 1) moving the administration of parenteral medication into the (close to) home setting; and 2) the use of 3D printing in a surgical procedure for wrist fracture recovery.

• Perform a scoping review.
• Engage with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders through interviews and focus groups.
• Develop and apply methods for integrating workforce deployment outcomes into health economic models.
• Contribute to the development of a framework for incorporating workforce deployment changes into HTA evaluations.
• Disseminate research findings through reports, publications, and presentations.

Place of work

You will be working in the department of IQ Health, in close collaboration with the Health Technology & Services Research department of the University of Twente. The project team is highly multidisciplinary, including colleagues from Isala hopsital and UMC Utrecht.

IQ Health is a state-of-the-art research and teaching centre, where methods of research are themselves the subject of study and development. Through education and consultation (services), we help Radboudumc as well as external organisations in applying the right methods of research.

Preventing illness, improving care!

In this way we contribute to the mission of the Radboudumc; To have a significant impact on health and healthcare.

The IQ Health department employs about 200 colleagues. The heart of the IQ Health department consists of six Research & Education (R&E) groups. These groups work together internally and externally (nationally and internationally) on topical themes and are connected to the two core tasks of education and research. In addition, the groups provide external consultation. More information about the department can be found on our website.

In this postdoc position you will join the Health Systems & Health Technology Assessment (HeSHTA) R&E group, which is internationally recognized for research, training and education on developing and applying health systems and HTA methodology and processes, including stakeholder deliberation and early HTA. The group includes a great mix of people from different backgrounds, nationalities and career phases. While you are responsible for your own project, there are ample opportunities to participate in other research or teaching activities.  

Will you also be part of this very diverse department?

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health. 

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Profile

You have a PhD in the field of healthcare or workforce sustainability. You are a curious, motivated and open colleague who is able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. You posses strong analytical and quantitative skills. Stakeholder engagement, including conducting interviews and focus group discussions, is no problem for you with your excellent communication skills.

Further, you recognize yourself in de profile below:

• Experience in health technology assessment (HTA) or health economic modeling is highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting systematic reviews and data analysis.
• Command of the Dutch language is not strictly required, however it is strongly appreciated given the regular interactions with many different Dutch stakeholders.
• Familiarity with healthcare settings and an interest in workforce deployment issues.

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. 
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.35 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 31 January 2025. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews take place on 6 February 2025 or 12 Februari 2025 (morning). We would appreciate it if you would take this into account.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then send an email to Janneke Grutters, Professor Early Health Technology Assessment. Use the Apply button to submit your application.