Postdoc Researcher knee osteoarthritis and joint loading

Job Description Knee osteoarthritis is common, even among relatively young people. Exercise is an important part of treatment, and fortunately, many people with osteoarthritis remain physically active. The national LoaD consortium is currently conducting a cohort study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the physical stress and stress tolerance of people with knee osteoarthritis.

The central research question in this project is: What level and type of physical activity is beneficial for the knee joint? The focus here is on various sports groups, including runners, hikers, cyclists, and tennis players. A unique dataset has been collected, comprising data from questionnaires, physical examinations, MRI scans of the knee, and biomarkers from blood samples.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher

• Initiate and conduct analyses on this dataset.
• Develop new research questions and proposals.
• Write scientific publications.
• Write grant proposals.
• Supervise PhD and master's students in their research.

Work environment The Department of General Practice at Erasmus MC provides bachelor and master students education, offers the General Practitioner training program and conducts research in general practice and on the health of people with intellectual disabilities.

You will be working within the research line on musculoskeletal disorders, where a large and enthusiastic group of researchers focuses on osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, you will be part of the LoaD consortium, (https://www.load-project.nl/) a national partnership in which universities, universities of applied sciences, clinical hospitals, associations and companies collaborate. The goal is to better understand what constitutes “healthy loading” for people with knee osteoarthritis and how they can be optimally guided in their physical activity. We work closely with patient organizations and sports associations.

Erasmus MC is committed to a healthy population and excellent healthcare. Through groundbreaking research, we strive to lead the way in research, education, and care, thereby improving today’s healthcare and innovating tomorrow’s public health. To foster research, Erasmus MC provides access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

Qualifications And Skills You are a motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher who is proactive and combines strong analytical skills with an affinity for clinical and applied research.

• A PhD in Health Sciences, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and conducting scientific research, such as clinical trials and/or cohort studies.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis (e.g., R, Python, or SPSS).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to actively contribute to new research ideas.
• Experience with (or an affinity for) supervising students.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 36 months.
• The gross monthly salary between € 4.987,- and € 6.825,- (scale 11) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours.
• A salary increase of 3,5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office (https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/education/international-office/) which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information Make this job opening your new job! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have specific questions about the job opening? Marienke van Middelkoop, associate professor, will be happy to answer them via mail (mailto:m.vanmiddelkoop@erasmusmc.nl) or WhatsApp. (tel:0620814146)