Job description
You will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative research team at the University of Twente (UT) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) to explore the educational potential of fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) applications. This project aims to apply and extend the Cognitive Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL) by empirically examining how immersive VR supports learning processes across educational contexts.
This position is part of a larger project funded by the Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek (NRO) that focuses on the use of two VR applications in medical education: OK Ready!, which trains surgical and anesthesiology assistants in operating room preparation (Study 1), and VR Sterile, which trains biomedical students in sterile lab procedures (Study 2). Your role will focus on Study 1, where you will investigate learning mechanisms such as presence and surface/structure (dis)similarity, using OK Ready! in a new context within both the Technical Medicine curriculum at the University of Twente and the UMC Utrecht curriculum.
You will be responsible for designing and conducting empirical research, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to dissemination through conferences and professional outlets. You will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher at UMCU, medical educators, VR developers, and other researchers to ensure the real-world relevance of your work.
Your profile
- You have a PhD (or are close to defending your dissertation) in Educational Science, Psychology, Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, or a related discipline;
- You have experience with empirical research and are proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methods;
- You are interested in immersive technologies such as VR and their use in (bio)medical education and training;
- You are comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams and across institutional boundaries;
- You have excellent academic writing skills and are eager to publish your work;
- You have an excellent command of spoken and written English; proficiency in Dutch would be considered an advantage.
Our offer
- We encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains a part-time postdoctoral position for 0.84, 12 months or 0.74 for 14 months. Your starting salary will be between € 3.378,- and € 4.537,- gross per month (scale 10) depending on your experience;
- A dynamic and supportive research environment at the University of Twente and UMC Utrecht;
- Access to state-of-the-art VR technology and an innovative (bio)medical educational setting;
- Opportunities for professional development and international conference participation;
- An end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and a holiday allowance of 8%;
- A minimum of 29 holiday days per year (full-time basis) and an attractive pension scheme;
- A family-friendly institution with excellent work-life balance support and free use of sports facilities;
- Employment conditions according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).
Information and application
Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before July 31, 2025 and include the following:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia (m.farrokhnia@utwente.nl).
About the department
The section of Instructional Technology (IST) is part of the department of Learning, Data analytics and Technology (LDT) within the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS). Research at IST is situated at the intersection of educational psychology, instructional design, and educational technology. More information about IST is available on the website.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
