PhD candidate – ID KNEE study, innovative ultrasound in general practice

Welcome to Maastricht University

At Maastricht University (UM), we believe that research contributes to a better world – both locally and internationally. This PhD position gives you the opportunity to make a direct impact on the primary care of tomorrow. Together with general practitioners, patients, and researchers, you’ll work on innovative diagnostic technology that makes primary care smarter, faster, and more accessible. This way, you’ll contribute to healthier communities and a future-proof healthcare system.

About the project

You’ll be joining the ID KNEE study , an interdisciplinary research project by the Department of General Practice at Maastricht University and Radboud University Medical Center. Together, we’re developing an  affordable, user-friendly AI-supported ultrasound solution that can be implemented directly in general practice.

The goal : to detect osteoarthritis in the knee earlier and more effectively – a growing health problem that is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Thanks to this technology, general practitioners can use a smartphone ultrasound device to quickly and reliably assess knee pain without extensive training.

Your role is to conduct practice-oriented research into  the acceptance, applicability, and effects of this technology among general practitioners and patients. You will analyze both clinical and psychosocial impact and contribute to successful implementation in practice.

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate, you’ll work closely with the research team in Maastricht and a fellow PhD candidate at Radboud University Medical Center. Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up and conducting practical research in general practices;
• Collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data (including interviews, questionnaires, clinical data);
• Collaborate with general practitioners, patients, and researchers in an interdisciplinary consortium;
• Publishing your findings in scientific journals;
• Presenting at (inter)national conferences.

What are you bringing?

You have a curious and engaged attitude and want to contribute to meaningful healthcare research with societal impact. You also bring:

• A completed university master’s degree in medicine, health sciences or (bio)medical sciences;
• Interest in technological innovations and diagnostics in primary care;
• Affinity with both qualitative and quantitative research;
• Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English (oral and written);
• An independent, accurate working attitude and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team;
• Experience with scientific writing is an advantage.

What does UM offer?
As a PhD candidate  at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences,  you’ll be working at the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. We also offer:

• Excellent employment conditions. The position is classified according to the UFO PhD candidate profile, with a corresponding salary scale of €3,059.00 gross per month in the first year and €3,881.00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time, 38-hour per week contract). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• A 12-month employment contract with 1.0 FTE. A positive evaluation will result in a three-year extension.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is paramount. We offer flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home, if the nature of your position allows. You’ll receive a monthly home-working and internet allowance for this. If you join us full-time, you’re entitled to 29 vacation days and four additional public holidays annually: Carnival Monday, Carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you use the option to accrue compensatory hours, you’ll receive an additional 12 days. You can also customize your employment conditions using a collective labor agreement (CLA) choice model.
• Maastricht University offers a variety of other excellent secondary employment benefits, including a good pension plan with ABP, and as a UM employee, you can participate in company fitness and take advantage of the extensive sports program we also offer our students.
• Last but certainly not least, the space and facilities to develop yourself: personally and professionally. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and support various broadly supported initiatives such as “recognition and appreciation.”

Maastricht University’s employment conditions are largely laid down in the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. Local provisions, specific to Maastricht University, also apply. For more information, click here .

Maastricht University
. Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. That of our students, because we give them a solid, broad foundation for the rest of their lives. And that of all of us, through our research into solutions for issues worldwide. With our six faculties, we provide a comprehensive range of education and research.

In our teaching, we use Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This means that our students work in small groups to find solutions to problems and issues on their own. They discuss together, draw conclusions, formulate an answer, and present it to the entire group. In this way, they acquire important skills for their entire career.

UM currently has more than 22,300 students and over 5,000 staff members from all over the world. This creates an inspiring and vibrant international community.

Does this international environment with a focus on science appeal to you? And do you want to contribute in an academic or staff position? Then you are more than welcome to make your unique contribution! Because as a young European University of Maastricht, we offer perspectives that we translate to your talent. You are valuable to our university and society, and we inspire you to grow together with pride and joy.

For more information about UM, click here .

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)  
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not only focused on recovery but also strongly focus on prevention, health maintenance, and health promotion. We strive to use our knowledge and expertise to truly ensure healthy lives for individuals and society as a whole. In education, research, and care

, the FHML has strong ties with Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Center. The FHML is made up of a (inter)national community of staff and students and is the largest faculty at Maastricht University. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch- and English-language bachelor’s and master’s programs with innovative educational concepts that always emphasize building bridges to practice.

The FHML’s multidisciplinary research focuses on several carefully selected current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also involves research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The various research programs are implemented within our  six graduate schools and two institutes .

General Practice
Our department is part of the CAPHRI research institute, which is committed to improving health through innovative, practice-oriented, and socially relevant research. CAPHRI connects science and society through participatory research within public and primary care, and personalized long-term care. Within our team, we focus on two key areas: General Practice & Diagnostics and General Practice & Digital Care . We conduct research that is directly applicable in general practice, with a special focus on point-of-care diagnostics such as ultrasound. CAPHRI offers an inspiring academic work environment and a strong PhD program for ambitious researchers from around the world.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Please feel free to contact Dr. Ramon Ottenheijm at ramon.ottenheijm@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Apply?
Or are you already convinced and will you become our new PhD candidate? Then apply for this position now, no later than August 24, 2025.

The first application round will take place on Tuesday, September 9th or 16th.

The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In the event of equal suitability, internal candidates will be given priority.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM. We aim to achieve this through inclusive policies and innovative projects in collaboration with students and staff. We encourage you to apply for this position.