Postdoc Position: Communication on Prediction and Prevention of Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

1. Introduction

Do you want to analyze how to effectively inform patients and high-risk individuals about personalized risk assessment and early preventive interventions in chronic inflammatory disorders? As a Postdoc, you will research, develop and test evidence-based communication strategies in co-creation with patients and health professionals to create scientific and real-life impact.

2. Job description

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) profoundly impact the lives of many people across Europe and beyond. Effective, evidence-based communication with patients and at-risk individuals is crucial, especially as medical research advances. The development of innovative risk assessment and intervention measures, which require increased decision-making on the patient side, highlights the need for successful, patient-centred health communication and information. How can we effectively communicate with patients and individuals at risk of IBD and RA? Which communication needs and barriers can we identify and address in both research and practice? Which communication strategies should we employ and what makes them effective? You will explore these and other related questions in the present project.

This project is part of the interdisciplinary EU Horizon Consortium ’Personalised disease prediction and prevention in chronic inflammatory disorders (PerPrev-CID)’, which aims to investigate risk prediction, early detection of disease progression, and personalised prevention strategies for IBD and RA. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers across Europe. The project uses a patient-centred approach, actively involving patients and high-risk individuals throughout the research process. We will collaborate with patient organisations, health professionals, and other stakeholders to research and evaluate health communication strategies and develop effective information materials based on research into the communication needs of our target groups. You will present the research outcomes at national and international conferences, and publish articles in leading international journals.

3. Profile

• You have a PhD in communication, public health, (health) psychology, or a related field.
• You have proven expertise in the research domain of health communication, ideally in health information, risk communication, or doctor-patient communication, as evidenced by publications and/or conference presentations.
• You preferably have experience with both quantitative and qualitative methods, and ideally in participatory research.
• You have an excellent research track record, as evidenced by publications, conference presentations, and academic service.
• You have good writing skills in the English language.
• You have an affinity for interdisciplinary research and you are able to communicate with experts from different disciplines as well as with patients and health professionals. 

4. We are

You will be a member of the interdisciplinary EU Horizon consortium PerPrev-CID, and collaborate with top-level senior and junior researchers from the fields of communication, psychology and medical science across Europe and beyond.

You will be based at the Faculty of Arts at Radboud University in Nijmegen. You will be associated with the Centre for Language Studies (CLS), the Faculty’s research institute investigating the understanding and use of language, as well as with the Department of Language and Communication (TenC).

Radboud University, TenC and CLS aim to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive society. Therefore, we specifically seek candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills, who bring added value to our research profiles.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract until 31 December 2029.
• Your salary within salary scale 11 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Dr Anna Wagner. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 31 January. Any second interview will take place on 5 February. You will preferably start your employment on 1 April 2025.  

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.