Promovendus "Futurecare – Maximizing the Potential of Cochlear Implants"

Job description

Cochlear implants (CIs) are hearing devices for people with severe hearing loss. Despite the proven benefits of CIs, studies show that fewer than 10% of adults who are eligible actually receive an implant. This means that the vast majority of potential candidates do not have a cochlear implant. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood. As a leading cochlear implant center, we are committed to improving access to cochlear implantation for people with severe hearing loss in the Netherlands. We are therefore looking for a PhD candidate for a four-year research project.

During the first phase of this project, you will investigate why many people who are eligible for a cochlear implant do not receive one. In the second phase, you will focus on addressing the barriers that limit access to cochlear implantation.

Work environment

You will be appointed within the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) / Audiology at the Erasmus University Medical Center and will work as a researcher within the Cochlear Implant (CI) team. The CI team is known for being a dedicated team, where providing high-quality patient care is a top priority.

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, accurate, and conscientious PhD candidate who wants to make a real difference for people with severe hearing loss.

Specific requirements:

• You have recently completed, or will soon complete, a university Master's degree. Relevant fields include Health Sciences, Audiology, Technical Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Psychology, Educational Sciences, or a related discipline.
• You have excellent written and spoken communication skills in both Dutch and/or English.
• Previous experience with scientific research is an advantage, but not required.
• As part of the appointment process, you must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), a valid proof of identity, your degree certificates, and, where applicable, relevant professional registrations (e.g. BIG or RGS).

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A temporary appointment for a period of 48 months.
• A gross monthly salary of € 4.220,- (PhD salary scale) based on a full-time working week of 36 hours (including the collective labour agreement salary increase effective from 1 July 2026).
• The opportunity to work partly from home.
• Excellent opportunities for career development and training.
• An end-of-year bonus (13th month), paid in November, and reimbursement of travel expenses.
• A pension scheme with ABP. Erasmus MC pays 70% of your pension contribution, resulting in a higher net salary than you might expect.
• Access to sports facilities at Erasmus MC. And if you get a flat tyre on your bike, our on-site bicycle mechanic will be happy to repair it.

More information

Make this vacancy your next career opportunity! Apply now using the application button.

Do you have any questions about the position? Dr. Hylke van der Toom, ENT surgeon/otologist, will be happy to answer them via h.vandertoom@erasmusmc.nl. You can also contact Dr. ir. Jantien Vroegop, audiologist, via j.l.vroegop@erasmusmc.nl.

Would you prefer to spend a day with our team before applying? That's certainly possible! Please contact Dr. Hylke van der Toom to arrange a visit.

For practical questions, please contact the department secretary on +31 (0)10 703 3106.
This posting may close earlier than the closing date, when a suitable candidate has been found. 

No agencies please.