As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to an international two-year research project focused on improving how return to work and employment status are measured in occupational health research.
The project builds on the international Core Outcome Set for Work Participation. While the first phase identified which outcomes should be measured, this next phase focuses on how return to work and employment status can be assessed in a valid, practical and internationally comparable way. The project will result in a pilot-tested measurement instrument that can be applied in intervention studies and systematic reviews.
You will work within an international consortium led by Amsterdam UMC, together with researchers from the University of Bologna, the University of Manchester and INAIL. The project combines methodological research, international collaboration and stakeholder involvement. You will work at the intersection of occupational health, outcome measurement, psychometrics and evidence synthesis, contributing to research that can improve the quality and comparability of occupational health studies worldwide.
You will combine methodological research, instrument development, collaboration and project coordination. Your activities include:
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mapping existing definitions and measurement methods for return to work and employment status;
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conducting qualitative and cognitive interviews with workers and relevant stakeholders;
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developing a prototype measurement instrument, including questions, definitions, instructions and a coding manual;
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pilot testing the instrument among workers who are absent from work or returning to work;
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evaluating feasibility, clarity, comprehensibility and preliminary measurement properties of the instrument.
In addition, you will:
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coordinate input and collaboration within the international consortium;
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contribute to scientific publications, guidance materials, training activities and dissemination;
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support the development of future research proposals on work participation and outcome measurement.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and methodologically strong researcher who enjoys working in an international and collaborative environment. You are able to work independently, take initiative and develop ideas together with researchers, workers and other stakeholders.
You bring:
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a completed PhD in occupational health, health sciences, epidemiology, psychology, rehabilitation, public health or a related field;
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experience with research methodology and qualitative and/or quantitative research;
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an interest in developing, evaluating and implementing measurement instruments;
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strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex methodological questions into practical solutions;
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excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English;
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the ability to coordinate activities, maintain oversight and collaborate effectively within an international research team;
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a proactive, organised and collegial working style.
The following experience is considered an advantage:
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experience with psychometrics, COSMIN methodology, questionnaire development, cognitive interviewing or pilot testing;
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experience with return to work, work participation, employment outcomes or occupational health research;
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experience with literature reviews, evidence mapping or evidence synthesis;
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experience with core outcome set development, systematic reviews, intervention research or stakeholder involvement.
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You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
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A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of two years.
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Classification in salary scale 10: € 3.724 to € 5.867 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here.
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Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
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100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
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Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
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Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
You will work at Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, within the department of Public and Occupational Health and the section of Clinical Occupational Medicine and Occupational Diseases.
The research team has extensive experience in international projects focused on work participation, return to work, outcome measurement, evidence synthesis and core outcome set development. Building on this expertise, this project aims to develop internationally applicable methods for measuring return to work and employment status.
You will become part of an international project group with researchers from Amsterdam UMC, the University of Bologna, the University of Manchester and INAIL. The project involves frequent collaboration, methodological discussions and international meetings. During the two-year project, the consortium will meet in person at least three times, with meetings planned in Amsterdam, Bologna and Manchester.
Your direct supervisor and project leader is Dr Jan Hoving. Professor Damien McElvenny is an additional contact within the international project team, and Dr Frederieke Schaafsma also contributes to the project. The department has an open and collegial working culture, with a strong focus on collaboration, knowledge exchange and methodological innovation.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV facilitates non-profit scientific research. Principal investigators and project leaders receive professional support in project management, finance and human resources. Legal support is also available for medical and scientific research projects.
The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026.
Please note that this vacancy uses a joint selection committee consisting of representatives from Amsterdam UMC and the international project partners. As part of the selection procedure, your application documents may therefore be reviewed by members of the consortium involved in the recruitment process.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the publication period. The vacancy may therefore close earlier once a suitable candidate has been appointed.
Do you have any questions? For further information about the position and the research project, please contact (please address questions to all three contacts - its holiday season): Dr. Jan Hoving, project leader, at [email protected]; Prof. Frederieke Schaafsma at [email protected] and Prof. Damien McElvenny at [email protected].
Reference checks and screening may form part of the selection procedure. For certain positions, successful candidates are required to provide a Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag, VOG). Read more about what this involves and whether it applies to this position.
In the event of equal suitability, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates.
Unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies regarding this vacancy are not appreciated.
