PhD position Maximizing human muscle power output for sports and rehabilitation

Would you like to contribute towards improvement of equipment used in sports and rehabilitation? Apply and join our lab!

PhD Position: Maximizing Human Muscle Power Output for Sports and Rehabilitation

Your function

This project investigates how human muscles can generate maximal mechanical power output and how this knowledge can be applied to (re)design the drivetrain of bicycles and handcycles. While most innovations focus on materials—such as making equipment lighter or stiffer—it remains largely unknown how to design devices that fully exploit the potential of the human musculoskeletal system. In this project, we will use the human musculoskeletal system as a starting point in redesigning the drivetrain of bicycles and handcycles.

As a PhD candidate, you will use musculoskeletal modeling and experimental testing to explore how muscles and limbs should move to deliver maximal power output. You will translate insights gained by musculoskeletal simulation and optimization into new equipment, by redesigning chainring shapes and pedal or handle trajectories that enhance power output. You will test prototype designs with elite cyclists and handcycle users to evaluate improvements in performance. During your PhD, your research will be at the intersection of biomechanics, muscle physiology, computational modeling, and product design. You will be employed in the Section of Biomechanics and will collaborate with experts in biomechanics, sports, and rehabilitation, using the department’s state-of-the-art laboratories.

Your profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, or a related field, and you are eager to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• You have a good understanding of muscle and exercise physiology and (bio)mechanics.
• You have experience with standard measurements and analyses in human movement science (e.g., EMG, calorimetry, kinematics, kinetics, and inverse dynamics analyses).
• You have solid programming skills, preferably in MATLAB and/or Python.
• You have a strong affinity for both musculoskeletal modeling and experimental research.
• You have good understanding of optimal control techniques.
• You have excellent verbal and written English language skills.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts to €3.059 per month during the first year and increases to €3.881 per month during the fourth year, based on full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended to a duration of a total of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• Solid pension scheme (ABP),
• Opportunities for further professional development (e.g., by taking additional courses, participating in workshops, seminars and conferences),
• Working in a friendly and exciting environment.

About us

About the Team
In this project, you will work closely together with a postdoctoral researcher and will be supervised by Dr. Dinant Kistemaker, Dr. Knoek van Soest, Dr. Maarten Bobbert, and Dr. Maarten Afschrift. All project members are embedded in the Section of Biomechanics of the Department of Human Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This section works on a wide range of topics in biophysics across several levels of biological organization: from the level of a single muscle fibre to that of a human.

Department of Human Movement Sciences
The Department of Human Movement Sciences performs research on the human musculoskeletal system, on the way people move, and on how human movement can be influenced in the context of sports, health, physical education, and rehabilitation. Our research is interdisciplinary: we combine anatomy, physiology, psychology, and biomechanics to understand and improve human movement. We provide educational programs at the BSc and MSc levels in the same domain, with a strong emphasis on scientific training. In addition, we have a research-based PhD program. The department has a strong commitment to theory development and innovative research, but we also prioritize the societal value of our research and devote ample time and attention to translation of our research findings to promote their application in practice. The department provides a vibrant climate with high quality teaching and research staff and PhD students who are supported by excellent facilities (e.g., multiple labs for experimental research, equipment for movement analysis and physiological measurements, as well as high-quality engineering support to develop custom-made equipment and set-ups).

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
Developing knowledge for an active, healthy and meaningful life: that is our mission at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at VU Amsterdam. We maintain a broad focus on the fields of behaviour and health. Our teaching and research programmes are devoted to current developments in society. From healthy aging to e-health, and from training top athletes to social media as a teaching tool. We combine three academic disciplines: psychology, movement sciences, and education. A multidisciplinary approach allows us to arrive at a better understanding of human behaviour and movement. Our aims are to help people live healthier lives, learn better, and function better.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are openminded experts with the ability to think freely. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Interested?

Are you interested in this position? Please upload a single PDF that includes (1) a short (motivation) letter (not longer than 1 page), (2) your curriculum vitae (which lists two references that we can contact). Materials must be submitted by 09/12/2025.

Interviews will take place on 15 and 16 December 2025.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
Dr. Dinant Kistemaker: [email protected]

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.