Postdoctoral researcher 'Human factors and service design for operational readiness'

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The Department of Product Development in the Faculty of Design Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral researcher.

About the project

The University of Antwerp is seeking a motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher to contribute to WELL-OPS (WELLbeing for OPerational Superiority), a four-year collaborative research project focused on human factors, occupational wellbeing and operational readiness in sustained maritime operations, including naval deployments.

WELL-OPS aims to develop and validate a deployment readiness framework that connects human wellbeing and functioning to operational performance. The project combines longitudinal research in operational maritime settings with research conducted in the Dar Młodzieży living lab and controlled experiments in AMA’s MISSIM full-mission simulator. Together, these research settings enable the project to study human functioning and wellbeing over time and under varying operational conditions.

A central ambition of WELL-OPS is to move beyond observation and measurement towards the development of evidence-based solutions that can be implemented in operational environments. Research findings will therefore be translated into a Product-Service System (PSS) that integrates digital monitoring tools with services, workflows and decision support, enabling personnel and organisations to identify, interpret and act upon factors affecting wellbeing, readiness and operational performance.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in connecting the different research activities within WELL-OPS. This includes contributing to the design and coordination of longitudinal and experimental research, analysing the relationships between human factors, wellbeing and operational performance, and translating research findings into actionable interventions, services and guidelines. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that the resulting solutions are both scientifically grounded and applicable within the constraints of real-world maritime operations.

The project brings together the University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen), Antwerp Maritime Academy (AMA) and other research and technology partners, including MADE, which contributes to the development of the project’s digital monitoring application. The research combines expertise in human factors, psychology, longitudinal data collection, experimental research, Product-Service System design and service design.

The postdoctoral researcher will work across these disciplines and research settings, helping to bridge scientific research, technological development and operational implementation.

Position

The postdoctoral researcher will support the scientific and operational coordination of WELL-OPS, working with the scientific leads, consortium partners and a PhD researcher. The position combines empirical research with day-to-day coordination, with guidance and support from the project team. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating day-to-day scientific activities, facilitating communication between partners, monitoring progress and helping align research activities across work packages, under the guidance of the scientific leads.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of longitudinal research methodologies to investigate human factors, occupational wellbeing and operational readiness in maritime and Defence environments.
• Supporting the development, evaluation and refinement of measurement frameworks, research instruments and data collection protocols.
• Providing day-to-day scientific guidance and methodological support to the jointly supervised PhD researcher, particularly in relation to research design, data analysis and integration of findings across work packages.
• Supporting the management, documentation and quality assurance of research data, in accordance with agreed project data management protocols.
• Contributing to the development, selection and validation of indicators and methodologies for assessing operational and deployment readiness.
• Providing day-to-day scientific guidance and methodological support to the jointly supervised PhD researcher, particularly in relation to research design, data analysis and the integration of analytical findings into the PhD's Product–Service System (PSS) research.
• Collaborating with Antwerp Maritime Academy (AMA) and other project researchers on data collection and validation plans across the different testbeds, and providing scientific input to the development of the monitoring application by external technology partners, including MADE, ensuring alignment with longitudinal research and measurement requirements. Contributing to interdisciplinary activities that translate research findings into practical interventions, services and guidelines, in collaboration with partners experienced in Product–Service Systems (PSS) and service design.
• Contributing to shared project deliverables and the integration of research findings across work packages.
• Disseminating research findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, workshops and engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Profile

Essential qualifications and experience

• A PhD in Human Factors, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Design Science (Product Development, Service Design, Product-Service System (PSS) Design), or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in empirical research, including research design, data collection and quantitative statistical analysis, with the ability to analyse complex datasets.
• Interest in and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.
• You have a good knowledge of Dutch and English, both oral and written.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Good organisational skills, initiative and the ability to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Good scientific writing, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate research findings clearly and consider their practical implications.
• Ability to collaborate constructively with academic researchers and external partners.
• Evidence of research outputs appropriate to career stage.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing longitudinal or repeated-measures data, including the ability to account for within-person change and individual differences. Experience with mixed-effects modelling or comparable approaches is essential; additional expertise in time-series analysis is an asset.

Additional strengths

• Research experience in occupational wellbeing, human performance, operational readiness or related human factors domains.
• Familiarity with Product-Service Systems (PSS), service design, design thinking, participatory design or related design-oriented research methodologies.
• Experience with digital monitoring tools, mobile applications, wearable technologies or physiological and behavioural measurement techniques.
• Experience conducting research in operational or field environments.
• Familiarity with maritime operations, including Defence or other safety-critical maritime environments.
• Previous experience supporting or coordinating collaborative research projects involving multiple partners.

What we offer

• A full-time postdoctoral research appointment at the University of Antwerp.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• An opportunity to contribute to an interdisciplinary research project involving academic, maritime, Defence and technology partners.
• The planned start date is January 2027, or as soon as possible after that date.
• A substantial role in day-to-day scientific coordination, supported by experienced scientific leads, with opportunities to develop research activities and publications.
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team, including a dedicated PhD researcher.
• Support for scientific dissemination and participation in relevant conferences and workshops, subject to project arrangements.
• Salary and employment conditions in accordance with University of Antwerp regulations.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a postdoctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the University of Antwerp.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Paardenmarkt in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
• Contract duration: To be confirmed in accordance with the approved project budget and employment arrangements. We offer a fulltime contract as a senior researcher for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal depending of the financing an positive evaluation.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • A motivation letter outlining their relevant research experience and interest in the project
  • An academic curriculum vitae, including publications
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selection committee reviews all applications on a weekly basis. The proposed selection procedure consists of application screening, a short online interview and an interview with representatives of AMA and UA. Candidates will be invited to discuss how they would organise and conduct an applied research study.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact liese.berkvens@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.