Assistant Professor (UD) in active lifestyle and prevention

Job description

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) welcomes a talented researcher for the position of Assistant Professor (UD) to become part of our expertise network on lifestyle and prevention to connect the domains of human movement, nutrition and mental health. As the UD, you will contribute to the formation of, and actively participate in, an expertise network which is currently being initiated in the UMCG aiming to integrate perspectives of healthcare, research, and education in these three domains. You will primarily focus on the domain of physical activity and active lifestyle (movement), but transdisciplinary collaboration is expected. The work will comprise research and network related activities for approximately 70%, and educational tasks for approximately 30% of the time.

Research activities
You will be expected to contribute and initiate research on physical activity, exercise and/or (active) lifestyle, focusing on measurement, monitoring and evaluation, primarily of patients in the context of daily life in extended health care settings (clinical, outpatient, transmural, and community) and/or in the context of interventions to promote (active) lifestyle. Collaborative research within the UMCG (e.g. with other (non)clinical departments), with regional healthcare, communal and other partners, as well as with technology and data partners are especially valued. Relevant research topics could include (but are not limited to) topics such as physical activity behaviour in context, lifestyle factors, underlying mechanisms, and 'exercise as medicine'. Previous and future pursuits of external funding pursuits are appreciated.

Network related activities
You will contribute to the formation of, and actively participate in, an expertise network of the UMCG as described above. To enable integrated and cross-cutting initiatives in lifestyle and prevention, staff will contribute to the strategic development and implementation of activities for building a robust and active network of experts within the UMCG and reaching beyond.

Education activities
You will contribute to educational developments aiming to enhance knowledge and skills of students in physical activity, exercise and/or (active) lifestyle and prevention across all internal bachelor and master programs of our medical faculty (human movement sciences, sport sciences, medicine, and dentistry) as well as professional training of health care professionals on related topics. At UD level, educational activities typically involve teaching courses and/or modules as well as student supervision. Previous experience in educational activities is valued.

Department of Human Movement Sciences

You will be housed within the Department of Human Movement Sciences of the UMCG and the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Groningen. The primary goal of the Department is to understand the mechanisms underlying human movement and human performance. It applies this knowledge to optimize movement and performance in healthy and clinical populations over the life span, focusing on healthy ageing. Research and education (bachelor and master degree programs, engaging 800+ students) of the department is organized along three lines: Sport, Rehabilitation and Healthy Aging. Successful applicants will join the Healthy Aging line.

The Department consists of a team of competent, dedicated, and enthusiastic scientific staff, educational support staff, and a highly trained ‘Technical Support’ team maintaining and supporting the HMS research facilities. Each member of the scientific staff (full professors, associate professors and assistant professors) is appointed both as lecturer and active researcher. Approximately 35 PhD students are active within the Department.

The department of Human Movement Sciences includes lab facilities and support for research and education, conducted in the lab and/or the clinical setting of the UMCG hospital or community settings. The department's research falls under the SMART Movements program of the Health in Context research institute of the UMCG. Over the last decade, the research output, including high impact publications, grants, awards, successful PhDs, and societal impact of research has maintained a high international standard.

What do we need

We are looking for candidates with knowledge and skills in methodologies and technologies to develop and implement assessments for physical exercise and (active) lifestyle aspects, such as wearables, nearables, and questionnaires, which can be utilized in scientific research as well as clinical practice. We expect good analytical skills for relevant quantitative and/or qualitative data, and experience in setting up, implementing, and managing data collection and/or (lifestyle) interventions for various populations in clinical and/or community settings. We seek a person with good communication skills who enjoys collaborating with a variety of partners.

Qualifications for Assistant Professor (UD)

• PhD degree in human movement sciences, sport sciences, behavioral or health sciences, epidemiology, data sciences, implementation sciences or related disciplines.
• At least three-year post-doc experience, preferably in (international) academic environments other than where the PhD was obtained and/or an interdisciplinary setting.
• Good research record in their field demonstrated by original research, reviews, and/or research opinion papers in peer-reviewed academic journals, preferably, experience with acquisition of external research funding and/or experience with (formal or informal) PhD student supervision and other relevant research output (direct or indirect) demonstrating their contribution to the scientific field, such as methods, algorithms, and patent development.
• Societal impact as evidenced by other relevant output (direct or indirect) demonstrating their contribution to the public domain, such as (social) media presence, social contributions, policy documents and practice guidelines.
• Teaching qualification and/or experience in the area of human movement sciences, medicine or related discipline, including supervision of bachelor and/or master students and teaching basic courses at the bachelor and/or master level.
• Team player and demonstrable organizational qualities and communication skills.
• Language proficiency: Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Fluency in Dutch, both written and spoken, is considered an advantage, but should be reached within two years from appointment.

What do we offer

The UD position offered is for 28.8 hours per week (0.8 FTE) for a period of 5 years. The expected starting date is September 1, 2025. Based on a full-time appointment, at the level of UD, the salary will be a maximum of € 7.232,- gross per month (scale 12). The exact salary will depend on your qualifications and relevant experience. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

The UMCG is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, and values diversity of talent.

More information

• For specific information regarding content and tasks, you can contact Dr. Erja Portegijs, Adjunct Professor at the Department Human Movement Sciences, [email protected]
• For general information, you can contact prof. dr. Koen A.P.M. Lemmink, Head of Department Human Movement Sciences, [email protected]

Please do not use the e-mail address above for submitting applications.

For questions about the position

Any questions? Do contact us.

How to apply

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 8 April 2025. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

In addition to a letter of motivation and a curriculum vitae including e.g. outputs of research, teaching and societeal impact, please upload the following information in a single file (PDF) as your extra document:

• A complete list of publications, including the 5 “best papers” preferably with copies.
• A 2-page research statement of research accomplishments and future research focus and goals.
• A 1-page teaching statement.
• A list of three references with contact information (including e-mail address).

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

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