Training programs are an important component of cancer rehabilitation. Due to the Corona epidemic, there has been increased interest in the possibilities of live-remote supervised exercise. This approach introduces challenges in terms of safety and effectiveness of the training stimulus. 
In addition to exercise physiological effects, cognitive, behavioral and social components of (group) training are also important as part of rehabilitation. The challenges here are perhaps even greater. How does live-remote training affect group dynamics? How does it affect the interaction between the trainer and patients? What barriers, facilitators and patient preferences play a role in whether or not patients will participate in live-remote supervised training programs? And what ethical and cultural aspects are involved? These questions are central to the LION-ELSI study.

In this international, European Union-funded project, we are investigating these aspects in parallel with a randomized controlled trial (LION RCT) on the effectiveness of remote-supervised group training after treatment for cancer. The study is being conducted by the PREFERABLE II consortium; a collaboration between top research institutes in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Australia.

For the LION-ELSI study we are looking for a PhD student for 48 months.

You have a master's degree in health sciences, social/behavioral sciences, psychology or a similar field.

In addition, you possess the following characteristics:

• Interest in the functioning of people with cancer
• Excellent communication skills, including full professional proficiency in English, considering the international collaboration
• Good writing skills in English
• Conscientious and precise
• Creative, independent, flexible, persistent and able to work as part of a team. 

The following are also recommended:

• Skilled in working with R software
• Experience with qualitative research method

Fixed-term contract: 4 years initially.

The appointment will initially be for 4 years and the gross salary per month will range from € 3.468,- to € 3.922,- depending on your previous work experience. The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).

Your travel expenses will be reimbursed at € 0,19 per km. Free parking at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is also part of the package. Personnel is stimulated to use public transport and bicycle and therefore we offer an interesting arrangement for bikers and/or discount on the NS-business card.