Postdoctoral Researcher in Virtual Reality for (Bio)Medical Education

You will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative research team at the University of Twente (UT) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) to explore the educational potential of fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) applications. This project aims to apply and extend the Cognitive Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL) by empirically examining how immersive VR supports learning processes across educational contexts.

This position is part of a larger project funded by the Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek (NRO) that focuses on the use of two VR applications in medical education: OK Ready!, which trains surgical and anesthesiology assistants in operating room preparation (Study 1), and VR Sterile, which trains biomedical students in sterile lab procedures (Study 2). Your role will focus on Study 1, where you will investigate learning mechanisms such as presence and surface/structure (dis)similarity, using OK Ready! in a new context within both the Technical Medicine curriculum at the University of Twente and the UMC Utrecht curriculum.

You will be responsible for designing and conducting empirical research, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to dissemination through conferences and professional outlets. You will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher at UMCU, medical educators, VR developers, and other researchers to ensure the real-world relevance of your work.

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before July 31, 2025 and include the following:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia (m.farrokhnia@utwente.nl).

The section of Instructional Technology (IST) is part of the department of Learning, Data analytics and Technology (LDT) within the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS). Research at IST is situated at the intersection of educational psychology, instructional design, and educational technology. More information about IST is available on the website .

At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.

At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.

As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.