Assistant Professor (UD) in active lifestyle and prevention

Assistant Professor (UD) in Active Lifestyle and Prevention

Job Description

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) welcomes a talented researcher for the position of Assistant Professor (UD) to become part of our expertise network on lifestyle and prevention to connect the domains of human movement, nutrition, and mental health. As the UD, you will contribute to the formation of, and actively participate in, an expertise network which is currently being initiated in the UMCG aiming to integrate perspectives of healthcare, research, and education in these three domains. You will primarily focus on the domain of physical activity and active lifestyle (movement), but transdisciplinary collaboration is expected. The work will comprise research and network-related activities for approximately 70%, and educational tasks for approximately 30% of the time.

Research Activities

You will be expected to contribute and initiate research on physical activity, exercise, and/or (active) lifestyle, focusing on measurement, monitoring, and evaluation, primarily of patients in the context of daily life in extended health care settings (clinical, outpatient, transmural, and community) and/or in the context of interventions to promote (active) lifestyle. Collaborative research within the UMCG (e.g., with other (non)clinical departments), with regional healthcare, communal and other partners, as well as with technology and data partners are especially valued. Relevant research topics could include (but are not limited to) topics such as physical activity behavior in context, lifestyle factors, underlying mechanisms, and 'exercise as medicine'. Previous and future pursuits of external funding pursuits are appreciated.

Network Related Activities

You will contribute to the formation of, and actively participate in, an expertise network of the UMCG as described above. To enable integrated and cross-cutting initiatives in lifestyle and prevention, staff will contribute to the strategic development and implementation of activities for building a robust and active network of experts within the UMCG and reaching beyond.

Education Activities

You will contribute to educational developments aiming to enhance knowledge and skills of students in physical activity, exercise, and/or (active) lifestyle and prevention across all internal bachelor and master programs of our medical faculty (human movement sciences, sport sciences, medicine, and dentistry) as well as professional training of healthcare professionals on related topics. At UD level, educational activities typically involve teaching courses and/or modules as well as student supervision. Previous experience in educational activities is valued.

Department of Human Movement Sciences

You will be housed within the Department of Human Movement Sciences of the UMCG and the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Groningen. The primary goal of the Department is to understand the mechanisms underlying human movement and human performance. It applies this knowledge to optimize movement and performance in healthy and clinical populations over the lifespan, focusing on healthy ageing. Research and education (bachelor and master degree programs, engaging 800+ students) of the department is organized along three lines: Sport, Rehabilitation, and Healthy Aging. Successful applicants will join the Healthy Aging line.

The Department consists of a team of competent, dedicated, and enthusiastic scientific staff, educational support staff, and a highly trained ‘Technical Support’ team maintaining and supporting the HMS research facilities. Each member of the scientific staff (full professors, associate professors, and assistant professors) is appointed both as lecturer and active researcher. Approximately 35 PhD students are active within the Department.

The department of Human Movement Sciences includes lab facilities and support for research and education, conducted in the lab and/or the clinical setting of the UMCG hospital or community settings. The department's research falls under the SMART Movements program of the Health in Context research institute of the UMCG. Over the last decade, the research output, including high impact publications, grants, awards, successful PhDs, and societal impact of research has maintained a high international standard.

What do we need

We are looking for candidates with knowledge and skills in methodologies and technologies to develop and implement assessments for physical exercise and (active) lifestyle aspects, such as wearables, nearables, and questionnaires, which can be utilized in scientific research as well as clinical practice. We expect good analytical skills for relevant quantitative and/or qualitative data, and experience in setting up, implementing, and managing data collection and/or (lifestyle) interventions for various populations in clinical and/or community settings. We seek a person with good communication skills who enjoys collaborating with a variety of partners.

Qualifications for Assistant Professor (UD)

• PhD degree in human movement sciences, sport sciences, behavioral or health sciences, epidemiology, data sciences, implementation sciences or related disciplines.
• At least three-year post-doc experience, preferably in (international) academic environments other than where the PhD was obtained and/or an interdisciplinary setting.
• Good research record in their field demonstrated by original research, reviews, and/or research opinion papers in peer-reviewed academic journals, preferably, experience with acquisition of external research funding and/or experience with (formal or informal) PhD student supervision and other relevant research output (direct or indirect) demonstrating their contribution to the scientific field, such as methods, algorithms, and patent development.
• Societal impact as evidenced by other relevant output (direct or indirect) demonstrating their contribution to the public domain, such as (social) media presence, social contributions, policy documents and practice guidelines.
• Teaching qualification and/or experience in the area of human movement sciences, medicine or related discipline, including supervision of bachelor and/or master students and teaching basic courses at the bachelor and/or master level.
• Team player and demonstrable organizational qualities and communication skills.
• Language proficiency: Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Fluency in Dutch, both written and spoken, is considered an advantage, but should be reached within two years from appointment.

What do we offer

The UD position offered is for 28.8 hours per week (0.8 FTE) for a period of 5 years. The expected starting date is September 1, 2025. Based on a full-time appointment, at the level of UD, the salary will be a maximum of € 7.232,- gross per month (scale 12). The exact salary will depend on your qualifications and relevant experience. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The UMCG is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, and values diversity of talent.

"The UMCG is a great place to work, with a supportive environment and a focus on innovation and collaboration." Erja Portegijs, adjunct professor

"We are looking for someone who is passionate about research and education, and who can contribute to our dynamic team." Koen Lemmink, head of department and professor