Through this vacancy we aim to recruit four researchers for our department, on different subtopics.

Topic 1: cost-effectiveness research support (1 person)
This junior researcher provides consultancy services for the Radboudumc Technology Center Health Economics. The consultancy services during this period of employment will consist mainly of supporting our colleagues of the Radboudumc in writing the 'cost-effectiveness' paragraph for ZonMw research proposals and further assist in other health economic related questions and research, especially on 'displacement of care'. The fulltime position is temporary until January 2020. If you are successful a part-time extension (0.5 FTE) is a possibility.

Topic 2: deep uncertainty (1 or 2 persons)
Health technology assessment is increasingly applied in the earliest stages of technology development. In this early stage evidence on the impact of the technology is lacking, and traditional methods to deal with uncertainty do not suffice. Fortunately, methods and processes exist in other fields of research to help decision makers identify and evaluate robust and adaptive strategies for dealing with this uncertainty. In this project we will explore whether and how these methods for dealing with so-called 'deep uncertainty', that can be qualitative and quantitative, are relevant for HTA. In the project you will review existing literature on how to deal with deep uncertainty, attend a relevant conference, and talk to experts. The project will result in a position paper and a proposal for further research.

Topic 3: dynamic complexity (1 or 2 persons)
The complex adaptive nature of the healthcare system makes many of its challenges, in areas from pre-clinical research priority setting all the way to implementation of policy, into so-called 'wicked' problems. Often the health system reacts differently to policy intervention than we expect: there are many examples of policies having unintended or unforeseen consequences. The junior research for this topic will be responsible to perform a systematic review and conduct interviews with relevant expert stakeholders from Radboud University and other (international) institutions. The researcher will participate actively in the Radboud Interfaculty Complexity Science Hub. The applicability of identified approaches for HTA research will be evaluated in a participatory workshop. From all that we learn we together with the successful applicant will identify those knowledge gaps that are most important to fill and develop a research proposal for further work in the area.

Tasks and responsibilities
The details of the roles are described above. But, the tasks in general will entail:

• Conducting literature reviews.
• Interview experts.
• Write a paper based on our findings.
• Contribute to the development of a PhD proposal around the topic.

• A relevant master degree like for example Biomedical Sciences, Health Economics, Health Sciences, or a relevant master degree for the topic (deep uncertainty or dynamic complexity).
• For the dynamic complexity vacancy it is a plus if you have a European Master in System Dynamics.
• Experience with decision modeling and stakeholder involvement.
• Experience with literature reviews.
• Affinity with healthcare or health economics is a plus.

Fixed-term contract: Until the end of December 2019.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

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Radboudumc

The Department for Health Evidence consists of 90 employees with expertise in biostatistics, health technology assessment, cancer epidemiology, reproductive epidemiology and risk assessment, offering a multidisciplinary environment for methodological research in medicine. All specializations work in close collaboration with many clinical departments in the Radboudumc. At the department for Health Evidence we aim to improve healthcare and public health by developing, applying and teaching methods for prediction and evaluation research. The Department has three main tasks: research, education, and consultation. The focus of all three is on research methodology and data analysis, in the context of RadboudUMC's research themes.

The Health Technology Assessment group (HTA) subgroup of Health Evidence conducts research to determine whether new technologies are effective, safe and efficient, and whether they are in accordance with societal and ethical values. Health care is about people, but technology often plays an important role. Consequently, people and technology have to work well together. The HTA group conducts research to determine whether new technologies are effective, safe and efficient, and whether they are in accordance with societal and ethical values. The group conducts research into the effectiveness, safety, efficiency and social acceptability of medical technology. Medical technology includes not only pharmaceuticals, devices and diagnostic techniques, but also palliative care and trauma care.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

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