Clinical PhD in continuous electrophysiological monitoring in obstetric high care
PhD @Eindhoven University of Technology posted 1 week agoJob Description
Tertiary maternity care at Máxima Medical Center (Máxima MC) is a highly specialized care discipline in which highly pregnant women are closely monitored due to a serious threat of preterm birth, pregnancy-related pathologies, and bariatric complications. Because complications around delivery significantly impact the rest of the lives of mothers and newborns, it is crucial that they receive the best possible fetomaternal monitoring during this period so that timely intervention can be made. Máxima MC is committed to continuously improving this tertiary maternity care.
A significant opportunity currently exists to improve fetal heart rate and uterine activity monitoring thanks to innovations in electrophysiologically measured cardiotocography (eCTG). This new monitoring method during pregnancy, unlike conventional CTG, allows for 24/7 patient monitoring. This allows for the collection of cumulative and more accurate information about fetal condition and uterine muscle activity, allowing for more effective interventions and thus improved clinical outcomes. This is being investigated in the NIEM-O study.
The study will be conducted at the obstetric high-care unit (OHC) of the Máxima MC. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate whether the introduction of continuous (24/7) monitoring using eCTG can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in women admitted to the OHC.
The main tasks are: executing the study protocol, including patient enrollment and measurement, study administration and contact with the METC, conducting (focus group) interviews and questionnaires with pregnant women and healthcare professionals, data collection, and statistical analyses. The candidate is the primary contact for the PhD team, the medical (treatment) team, the medical technical service, and the METC for coordination regarding activities related to the clinical study. The results of the scientific work will form the basis for an academic dissertation.
The candidate will contribute to the NIEM-O project, which is funded by HTSM. This project involves collaboration with Máxima MC, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Nemo Healthcare. The team includes clinicians and engineers from both locations in Veldhoven and Eindhoven.
Job requirements
- A master’s degree in medicine or technical medicine is required. Experience working in maternity care is a plus.
- Strong interest in clinical research. Methodological expertise is a plus.
- Team player mentality, interested in collaborating with different teams.
- High motivation and creativity, results-oriented, accurate and structured.
- Excellent Dutch communication and organizational skills for the clinical context.
- Excellent English language skills (C1 level).
Working conditions
We offer a temporary, four-year position in a research group with an excellent reputation. The salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, including:
- This is a full-time, four-year appointment, with an interim evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will devote 10% of your time to teaching duties.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
- An end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and annual holiday pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to help you develop into a confident, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e, we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
- An excellent technical infrastructure, childcare on campus and sports facilities.
- Compensation for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% scheme) for international candidates.
Information and application
Information
For more information about the project and informal inquiries, please contact B. van der Hout ( mbvdhout@ tue.nl ).
For questions about the application process or employment conditions , please contact HR ( hrservices.flux@ tue.nl ).
Curious? Visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e.
Application
If you’re interested, please use the “apply now” button at the top of this page. You’ll need to upload the following:
- Motivation letter in which you explain your motivation and suitability for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, with a list of publications and contact information for three references.
Reference number: 2025/281
