You will perform research in the research line ‘Arm and hand function’ in the domain of Pediatric Rehabilitation. The title of the PhD is ‘Task specific arm and hand motor fatigability (TSAMF) during daily activities of the upper extremities in children with cerebral palsy (CP)’. This research entails three aims. The first aim is the development and validation of new measurement methods and parameters for TSAMF and the identification of the impact of TSAMF on activities of daily living and participation. The second aim is to identify the effects of current arm and hand interventions on TSAMF in children with CP. The third aim is to develop and test the feasibility of a specific training programme focused on decreasing TSAMF. These insights will contribute to the development of effective and focused intervention programmes in children with CP. The candidate will also participate in teaching activities in the educational programs of Hasselt University and Maastricht University.

About us

This vacancy suits in a collaboration between the Department Rehabilitation Medicine (CAPHRI) of University Maastricht and the research group REVAL Rehabilitation Research of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at UHasselt. In this collaboration this position will lead to a joint doctorate project between both universities with a double degree.
You will be part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Hasselt University. This faculty organizes an education program that consists of a 3-year academic bachelor and a 2-year academic master program within Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy. This program has approximately 850 students. The faculty also provides education in the interuniversity master program in Occupational Sciences. Within the faculty, REVAL ACADEMY organizes interdisciplinary refresher courses aimed at professionals in care and rehabilitation. The proposed research will be performed within the rehabilitation research group REVAL. REVAL is an interdisciplinary and translational research group conducting research in the fields of pediatric, geriatric, neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biomechanics, health psychology, mental health and rehabilitation of internal disorders. Within the perspective of a “civic universit” the RELAB platform facilitates the provision of evidence-based advice to persons with disabilities and professionals within the healthcare sector as well as to companies.
You will be part of the department Rehabilitation Medicine of Maastricht University. This department is part of the Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Medicine and their research is done in close collaboration with the Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology. Their research is coordinated within the research program Rehabilitation Medicine in the research school CAPHRI. The mission of the program is to improve evidence based practice in rehabilitation medicine. The research primarily focuses on the improvement and evaluation of diagnosis, treatment and care after discharge of patients who experience limitations in their level of activities and participation. The program will also facilitate the implementation and innovations of care, on the basis of these research results, in close collaboration with Adelante and the Maastricht University Medical Centre.
This PhD is done in collaboration with (inter)national rehabilitation centers.

About you

• You have a Master degree in Rehabilitation sciences and Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Human Movement sciences, Biomedical Sciences (or equivalent).
• You have good to excellent academic grades.
• You have strong problem-solving skills, you are flexible, have the necessary organizational capacity and are stress resistant.
• You are willing to engage in applying for external funds.
• You are collegial and have good capacities to work in a team.
• Expertise in the target population or expected research methodology is an advantage.
• You have a strong interest in scientific research within pediatric rehabilitation.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written and you are willing to learn Dutch.

Our offer

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
The first two years at Hasselt University and then two years as internal PhD candidate at Maastricht University.

Apply for this position

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Apply now
Apply up to 30.11.2022