Project Overview
About the Position
UMC Utrecht recruits a promotendus (doctoral candidate) for a 48-month project on the inclusion of children with disabilities (inclusie van kinderen met beperkingen), starting in January 2027. Many children with disabilities still face barriers in school, care and everyday social life, and inclusive approaches require evidence on what works in practice. The doctoral project studies inclusion from the perspectives of children, families and professionals, using participatory research approaches that give children a genuine voice in the research.
The position is for 32 hours per week with a salary of EUR 3,217 - EUR 4,077 gross per month under the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement, based at UMC Utrecht, including the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital research environment. The doctoral candidate will conduct qualitative and participatory studies, collaborate with schools and care organisations, and contribute to implementation of findings in paediatric care and education. Because the research involves Dutch-speaking children, families and professionals, Dutch proficiency is required.
Candidate Profile and Working Environment
Applicants hold a master's degree in health sciences, education, pedagogy or a related field, with an interest in child participation and disability research. Experience with qualitative or participatory methods and working with children is an advantage. UMC Utrecht offers structured doctoral training and a multidisciplinary environment spanning paediatrics, rehabilitation and social sciences.
Highlights
- 48-month PhD project starting January 2027
- Inclusion of children with disabilities
- Participatory research with children, families and schools
- 32-hour week; EUR 3,217 - 4,077 gross per month
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital research environment
- Structured doctoral training at UMC Utrecht
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,217 - EUR 4,077 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale, 32 hours) |
| Duration | 48 months (32 hours per week; project starts January 2027) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in health sciences, education, pedagogy or a related field; Dutch required |
| Language | English proficiency required; Dutch needed for clinical, fieldwork or client-facing components |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 10 November 2026 |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
About UMC Utrecht
UMC Utrecht is the university medical centre of Utrecht, affiliated with Utrecht University. It combines specialised patient care with leading research programmes in life sciences and health, and trains the next generation of medical and biomedical researchers. Doctoral researchers work in multidisciplinary teams across clinical departments and research institutes, including the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 10 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 10 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter: Emails and Preparation
- SOP, Personal Statement or Research Proposal: What Each Document Does
English language requirements
No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.
Official Link
https://www.werkenbijumcutrecht.nl/vacatures/phd-kandidaat/promovendus-inclusie-van-kinderen-met-beperkingen-2026-7520/solliciteer
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 11 November 2026 (10 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. €3,217/month.
Who is eligible to apply for Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by UMC Utrecht.
How do I apply for Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands?
Applications for Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands are submitted directly to UMC Utrecht through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands?
The source does not state whether an English proficiency test is required for this listing — confirm the requirement (if any) with the provider before applying.
What study level does Promovendus: Inclusie van Kinderen met Beperkingen - UMC Utrecht, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
UMC Utrecht
UMC Utrecht is the university medical centre of Utrecht, affiliated with Utrecht University. It combines specialised patient care with leading research programmes in life sciences and health, and trains the next generation of medical and biomedical researchers. Doctoral researchers work in multidisciplinary teams across clinical departments and research institutes, including the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital.
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