PhD position in Future-proof healthcare through transformation

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and curious PhD candidate to join our innovative Industrial Engineering & Business Information Systems (IEBIS) section at the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences. In this dynamic and inclusive section, personal and professional development is central, and there is plenty of room for social activities. This position offers you the opportunity to contribute to the development of a sustainable and resilient healthcare system, with a particular emphasis on care for older adults—ensuring accessibility, availability, and quality of care for an ageing population.

The challenge

As populations age, healthcare systems must adapt to changing demands while facing staff shortages and limited resources, challenging traditional care delivery. Technology offers valuable tools, but true transformation requires coordinated efforts across a complex network of stakeholders. Redesigning care pathways, reallocating resources, and planning long-term structural changes are essential for future-proof, person-centred care.

Your research may address challenges such as forecasting future care demand for older adults and aligning workforce, facilities, and services accordingly. You could focus on improving home care planning, optimizing nursing home capacity, or designing innovative care models that balance quality and efficiency. Using data-driven methods and quantitative modelling (e.g., simulation, optimization), you will develop practical solutions to real-world problems. You will join the CHOIR research group, known for its strong care provider network and impactful healthcare operations research, with the PhD topic shaped collaboratively with your supervisors and opportunities to work closely with local and regional providers of care for older adults.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with an interest in Healthcare Operations Management/Operations Research who is eager to work at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and society. A specific focus on geriatric care/care for older adults is encouraged, though flexibility in the exact topic exists. A solid understanding of healthcare systems, strong communication skills, and a strong quantitative background are essential for this role. The goal of this PhD position is to develop models and methods that support the effective and efficient transformation of healthcare services—making them better suited for the growing population of older adults. This may include work on forecasting demand, optimizing resource allocation, redesigning care delivery models, and evaluating the impact of new interventions and technologies.

We look for a highly motivated, enthusiastic researcher who is driven by curiosity and:

• Has experience with mathematical modelling (simulation and optimization) and coding, preferably in R or Python;
• Has, or will shortly acquire, a quantitative master's degree or equivalent experience (e.g., in Operations Research/Management, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Statistics, Econometrics, or Computer Sciences);
• Has a good team spirit and likes to work in an inter-disciplinary environment;
• Can perform independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills;
• Possesses effective communication skills and an excellent command of English;
• Proficiency in Dutch is desirable.

We encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a fulltime 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.901 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.707 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.

• A cover letter (maximum one-page A4), explaining your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position, and briefly outline your research ideas;
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, an overview of publications, as well as up to two references;
• Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

Additional information can be acquired via email to Dr. Sebastian Rachuba (s.rachuba@utwente.nl).