Medical education relies heavily on assessment formats that require raters to assess the competence and skills of students. Unfortunately, there are often inconsistencies and irrelevant variability in the scores raters assign. To ensure that the scores from these assessment tools have validity, it is important to understand the underlying cognitive processes that raters use when judging the abilities of their students.

The goal of this dissertation project is to contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive processes used by raters. We will particularly focus on the impact of first impressions on rater-based assessments and how this may lead to bias. Bias refers to differences in scores that are not related to the content of the students' performance but to irrelevant student characteristics such as appearance and perceived similarity.

The PhD candidate will be involved in experimental studies to explore the role of first impressions in rater-based assessments and in intervention studies aiming to improve the current assessment methods. This position is mainly focused on research. However, possibilities for teaching exist.

Candidates with demonstrated strong research interest in the area of judgment and decision making, rater-based assessments and/or diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome. The candidate should be interested and highly motivated to conduct research in the area of first impressions and potential biases within the context of medical school and to use experimental and interventional techniques.

You must have an Excellent Master degree with high GPA in Psychology or Educational Sciences or equivalent, preferably a research master. You have excellent demonstrated written and spoken academic English and Dutch language skills and strong interest in the pursuit of influential applied research for publication purposes in top-tier journals. You have high demonstrated competence in and willingness to work with quantitative methods as applied to experimental and interventional research and strong social skills in hierarchical organizations such as Academic Hospitals.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct, a valid proof of identity, diploma's and/ or relevant registration such as BIG/ RGS are conditions for the appointment.

You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.357 ,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.020,- in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC). We offer a full-time PhD position in an enthusiastic and challenging work environment.

Erasmus MC

Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking work, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare. We have access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

The candidate will work at the Institute of Medical Research Rotterdam (iMERR) of the Erasmus MC. iMERR is an interdisciplinary research center with a focus on medical education, with research lines such as clinical decision making, medical student and resident selection, and diversity and inclusion. iMERR is a collaboration between Erasmus MC and the Institute of Psychology of the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). The candidate will have the opportunity to attend (inter)national conferences and attend courses related to the PhD research.