Postdoc Centre of Excellence for Plastination and Virtual Reality

Are you passionate about advancing education through innovative technologies? The Centre of Excellence for Plastination and Virtual Reality at Utrecht University is seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to drive cutting-edge research in animal-free, XR-enhanced learning. Join our collaborative team to shape the future of life sciences education, focusing on veterinary medicine and the development of immersive, 3D learning environments.

Your job

The Centre of excellence for plastination and virtual reality is a joint initiative of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the University Medical Centre Utrecht. We are engaged in innovations in the field of animal-free education. We’re advancing 3D learning in life sciences, with a focus on veterinary medicine to enhance spatial knowledge and clinical skills. Our research spans three projects investigating how XR technology enhances learning and boosts self-efficacy, examining when, how, and for whom these technologies work best.The goal of our research is to develop evidence-based knowledge that can enhance learning effectiveness and self-efficacy when using these technologies. By guiding instructional designers to develop learning material more optimally, teachers to integrate lessons successfully, and clearly define targeted learning outcomes, we strive to explore the full potential and pitfalls of using emerging technologies in education.

As a postdoc, you will contribute to a cutting-edge research environment, driving the design, execution, and analysis of empirical studies. You will be involved in grant applications and management and work closely with PhD candidates and teachers, with other faculties and with the private and societal partners involved in the project. Besides this, you will be teaching courses within your field of expertise.

Your qualities

This position is right for you if you:

• hold a PhD in Life Sciences Disciplines (obtained max 5 years ago);
• have knowledge and research experience in the fields related to education, human-computer interaction, extended reality;
• have expertise in design and analyses of extended reality experiments, and strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills;
• work well independently, bring fresh ideas, and have a critical eye while collaborating effectively across disciplines within and beyond the faculty on XR-applied anatomy and related research projects;
• have excellent communication skills, a positive (working) attitude, and a collaborative mindset;
• have a good command of English language and willingness to learn Dutch.

Our offer

• We offer:
• an employment contract for one year with possibility of prolongation;
• a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,345 and €5,278 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU;