Vacancy Postdoc 'Behavioural theory during pandemics: International Expert Consensus Study'

Job description

If you want to work on an exciting, international project for advancing behavioural science theory and expand your international network with top scholars, then this could be the right project for you. You will be working with colleagues from IQ Health (Implementation and Behavioural Science group) at Radboudumc and with behavioural science colleagues from the RIVM (the Dutch public health institute).

You will be the lead researcher on a project with the aim to develop, through expert consensus procedures, a more robust theoretical framework for infection prevention behaviour during major infectious disease outbreaks (including pandemics). A theoretical framework that does not only focus on individual behaviour, but also the social, physical, and policy context.

Background Information
In the past years, many researchers have investigated which factors influenced public adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures, such as physical distancing or testing for COVID-19. Often these studies were informed by prevention-focused behavioral theories, such as the health belief model or protection motivation theory. These theories were, however, untested in the context of pandemics. Moreover, their scope is limited primarily to individuals' beliefs and affect, largely ignoring the social and physical context and its dynamics influencing prevention behavior. A more comprehensive theoretical framework describing infection prevention behaviors during pandemics could be of great value during a future outbreak.

Now, several years after the pandemic, there is a substantial empirical literature on drivers of infection prevention behaviors during a pandemic. In this postdoctoral project, you will be part of a research collaboration that collates this evidence. You will be responsible for conducting an international expert consensus study to examine whether and how our theoretical model(s) need to be improved to better capture the key drivers of infection prevention behaviors during an infectious disease outbreak. This project is also part of the BePrepared consortium.

What we offer
We offer an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, social, and dedicated team of researchers from multiple institutions. You will build a strong national and international network of top scholars in the behavioral sciences. The results of your work will be relevant both from a scientific perspective as well as for preparedness activities. For example, the results will be submitted to the RIVM's pandemic preparedness toolkit, and we will seek collaboration with and dissemination through organizations internationally, such as the WHO and ECDC.

Place of work

You will be working in the department of IQ Health. A department that is very active in teaching, research and consultation/service delivery. IQ Health originated from the former departments of Health Evidence and IQ healthcare.
 
IQ Health is a state-of-the-art research and teaching centre, where methods of research are themselves the subject of study and development. Through education and consultation (services), we help Radboudumc as well as external organisations in applying the right methods of research.
 
Preventing illness, improving care! In this way we contribute to the mission of the Radboudumc; To have a significant impact on health and healthcare.
 
The IQ Health department employs about 200 colleagues. The heart of the IQ Health department consists of six Research & Education  (R&E) groups. These groups work together internally and externally (nationally and internationally) on topical themes and are connected to the two core tasks of education and research. In addition, the groups provide external consultation. 

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health. 

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc to join our team. You are a team player and you have strong interpersonal skills for building contact with colleagues and stakeholders internationally. Furthermore, you have scientific creativity and productivity, as evident in recent publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Your English is excellent for both speaking and writing at an academic level.

You also meet the requirements below:

• You either hold (or have finished and nearly obtained) a PhD degree in the field of (health) psychology, communication science, health sciences, or public health or a related field.
• You have worked with behavior change theories in your research.
• Experience with consensus research, such as a Delphi study, is desirable.
• You have experience with synthesizing literature of observational and/or experimental data. 

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• From 1 July 2025 an increase in salary with 3%.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 21 May 2025. If you are interested, don't wait with applying to just before the deadline. We will be interviewing excellent candidates a.s.a.p. A written assignment (proposal) is part of this application procedure.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Marijn de Bruin, Full Professor. Use the Apply button to submit your application.