Postdoctoral Researcher Organizing for a Sustainable Healthcare Workforce

at  Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam

INTRODUCTION

Health systems around the world are facing significant challenges driven by shifting demographics, rapid technological advancements, economic transitions like the rise of flexible labor markets and threatening geopolitical tensions that impact the governance and organization of health systems. These forces are reshaping how healthcare is delivered and managed. At the same time, healthcare remains the cornerstone of the welfare state and of thriving societies and economies. Healthy, resilient populations are vital for national competitiveness and well-being. In this context, contemporary healthcare systems and organizations, face huge challenges alongside growing uncertainties, requiring bold, innovative solutions.
At the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) we are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With a stellar reputation for transdisciplinary research and societal impact, ESHPM invests in the development of the transdisciplinary research theme on Sustainable HealthCare workforce. This research theme explores the evolving nature of work and workers in healthcare within real-world settings and in the face of contemporary challenges.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD (or nearing completion) in fields such as health sociology, health economics, organization and management studies, public administration, or science & technology studies.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in topics such as human resource management in healthcare, healthcare workforce dynamics, human-technology interaction, work productivity and performance, digital technology integration, healthcare professionalism, governance and organizational transformation.
• Experience in healthcare settings, such as primary care, hospitals, or community care.
• Proven research skills (qualitative or mixed methods) and a strong academic publication record.
• Experience in writing and submitting research grants.
• Experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary, or international research environments.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

ROLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a core member of our team, you will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research projects aligned with the theme’s focus areas.
• Assist in or co-lead the development and submission of research grant proposals.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with academic and professional stakeholders.
• Present research findings at global conferences and contribute to leading academic journals.
• Participate in the development of teaching offerings related to the research theme.
• Thesis supervision of master students related to the topic.
• Help organize seminars, workshops, and other activities to foster community engagement.

You will work closely with a core group comprising: the theme leads, two Assistant Professors, and two full-time PhD students, collaborating regularly to shape and advance the theme’s research goals.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a pivotal role in advancing our research agenda, which includes but is not limited to the following topics:

• The future of healthcare work and the role of technology (including AI, robotics, digitalization).
• Evolving labor markets, productivity, performance, recruitment and retention strategies.
• Well-being at work, organization of work and the commoditization of care.
• Crisis-driven care innovation and adaptation