WELCOME TO MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY AND UHASSELT!

Preventing falls? It can be done better. FallAR uses augmented reality to measure and improve fall risk in a task-specific manner. You will be researching the potential future of fall prevention.
Our goal: To reduce fall risk using smart, accessible technology – with impact in daily life.
Your colleagues: A collaborative team of researchers in Maastricht, Hasselt and beyond, working at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
As a PhD student, you will investigate the use of new augmented-reality (AR) technology to evaluate and train the risk of falling. Central to the project is to assess the validity, feasibility and clinical effectiveness of the new AR technology for measuring and reducing the risk of falling in fall-prone populations. Project FallAR aims to reduce the incidence, costs and health impact of walking-related falls. At the end of the project, we foresee academic impact by developing a novel conceptual fall risk approach with practical societal impact by delivering a validated, feasible and effective AR evaluation and treatment application in collaboration with Strolll.

Your main tasks are:

• Co-develop the FallAR fall risk evaluation application and assess its reliability and validity, e.g. in comparison with the Hasselt and Maastricht CAREN systems.
• Conduct a feasibility study of FallAR fall prevention training at home, with a focus on safety, adherence, usability of personalized AR exercises, and insight into the required number of sessions and participants for follow-up RCT.
• Lead a pragmatic RCT of the FallAR fall prevention training implemented in the Dutch and Flemish clinical pathway to improve clinical, lab-based and FallAR fall risk evaluation-based fall risk indicators.
• Write scientific papers and present at international scientific conferences;
• Teach and supervise students within different Bachelor and Master courses.

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone who combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mindset. You are eager to explore how technology can make a real difference in people’s lives.

• You hold a relevant master’s degree – in Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Physiotherapy, or (Technical) Medicine, or similar.
• You are curious about technology in healthcare – especially AR applications for older adults.
• You’re fluent in both Dutch and English – for engaging with participants and publishing your research.
• You work in a structured and goal-oriented way – strong problem-solving skills, pragmatism, flexibility, organizational capacity, and stress resistance describe your skillset. You are someone who sees the work and can deliver.
• You have experience with clinical or experimental research – ideally in fall prevention, physical interventions, or medical ethics procedures.
• You are a team player – comfortable working across disciplines in a collaborative, open environment.
• You value transparency and open science – and you’re excited to work within a public-private partnership like international company for medical software applications for AR glasses (Strolll Ltd, UK, Strolll Inc, US).

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

• Co-develop the FallAR fall risk evaluation application and assess its reliability and validity, e.g. in comparison with the Hasselt and Maastricht CAREN systems.
• Conduct a feasibility study of FallAR fall prevention training at home, with a focus on safety, adherence, usability of personalized AR exercises, and insight into the required number of sessions and participants for follow-up RCT.
• Lead a pragmatic RCT of the FallAR fall prevention training implemented in the Dutch and Flemish clinical pathway to improve clinical, lab-based and FallAR fall risk evaluation-based fall risk indicators.
• Write scientific papers and present at international scientific conferences;
• Teach and supervise students within different Bachelor and Master courses