University of Twente

Jobid=eb0d23335ea1 (0.0999)

We offer a challenging PostDoc position with the Human Media Interaction and the Psychology of Conflict, Risk, and Safety groups of the University of Twente, working on novel, mixed paradigm VR training technology for first responders who encounter people with concerning behaviour (“Onbegrepen gedrag”). The training designs will be developed (and tested) together with people from both sides, aiming to balance the real needs of both first responders and people with concerning behaviour.

The ZonMw funded project “REaL-VR (Reflective Experiential Learning in Virtual Reality)” aims to deliver novel training technology for first responders (police, community officers) who encounter people with concerning behavior. Such encounters can be stressful for first responders who often find it difficult to determine the best way to interact with the person in need. Our novel training is intended to help them feel more confident and better prepared and therefore respond more appropriately to specific needs of the people with concerning behavior. In this way, we can help ensure more positive encounters between vulnerable people and responders.

In this project you will work in four phases, all in collaboration with academic and practitioner experts, and people with relevant experience of vulnerability.

First, you will develop an inventory of the needs of first responders and people showing concerning behavior, and of current training methods. Second, you will develop a VR environment which allows trainees to role play as both first responder and person showing concerning behavior. This will include providing behavioral prompts t the person showing concerning behavior. Third, you will develop the specific training scenarios and guidance. Finally you will perform an experimental validation of the efficacy of the new training materials with educators, relevant student groups and professionals.

The project is led by the University of Twente in co-creation with the Dutch Police Academy, Aventus (teachers and target group: vocational education community officers), the Center for Security and Digitisation in Apeldoorn, and the Kenniswerkplaats Onbegrepen Gedrag at Erasmus University Rotterdam. You will play a central role in working with the partners to get relevant information and experiences from all stakeholders, codesigning training scenarios, and evaluating the results and impact. You will receive regular guidance from the researchers in the two groups at the University of Twente, but will also have enough room to put your own stamp on the project and resulting publications.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher who enjoys working with mixed methods research.

You have, or will shortly, acquire a PhD degree in the field of Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design or Interaction Technology with a clear interest in working with and for stakeholders, or have, or will shortly, acquire a PhD degree in social psychology, educational psychology, or equivalent, with a strong affinity for the design of interaction technology.

Ideally, you have experience with (contributing to) developing VR systems

You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills, as demonstrated through conference presentations and academic publications.

You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment, and are willing to spend part of your time working from the CVD location at Apeldoorn.

You are good at supervising the junior technological development support staff that will be available at a limited part time basis (roughly one day a week) to support development of the VR platform

You are proficient in English and Dutch.

You enjoy working with practice based partners in interviews, focus groups, co-design sessions, and other activities

Our offer

You will be appointed at the earliest possible moment until 31st December 2027 (19 months) within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

Gross salary between € 3.546,- (step 0) and € 5.538,- (step 12) per month depending on experience and qualifications

Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff.

We are also a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.

Lees hier meer

Deel deze vacature:

PostDoc position on VR training for first responders dealing with “Personen met Onbegrepen Gedrag” (Dutch language) – University of Twente – Enschede

University of Twente