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.

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.

• 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;

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. Furthermore the faculty delivers expert clinical care at the University Animal Hospital. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students. It is located at the Utrecht Science Park, near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

The Centre of Excellence for Plastination and Virtual Reality is a joint initiative of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine and University Medical Centre Utrecht. We develop models for training in clinical skills and in a wide range of procedures in humans and animals. The aim of the centre is to provide realistic anatomical, physiological and pathology models, while reducing the use of animals in research and education. We make a wide range of models for training and education. At the veterinary faculty, the centre is hosted by the Anatomy & Physiology group and at the UMC by the department of Anatomy.

For more information about this position, please contact Professor Daniela Salvatori (Professor Comparative Anatomy & Physiology and chairperson Transition to Animal-free Innovation Utrecht) at d.salvatori@uu.nl or +31 6 15 13 93 56.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.