Student Research Assistant

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam); Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 31,319 - 37,515; Full time

Job summary

ACTA, a joint initiative of the University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, offers a student assistant position to support the SPIRE project. The role emphasizes organizing meetings, communicating with international experts, and preparing materials.

You will contribute to transparent reporting in medical research while gaining exposure to Delphi meetings and pilot testing. The position is for 0.1 FTE (~4 hours per week), 10 months, with a monthly salary of €3,084 gross.

Qualifications

• Is currently enrolled as a Master’s student at a Dutch university.
• Has good English comprehension skills and is able to understand scientific literature and discussions.
• Has basic knowledge of or experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, Delphi methods, qualitative analysis).
• Has an interest in health research and research methodology.
• Has preferably knowledge of research reporting guidelines or research transparency.

Responsibilities

• Supporting communication with international experts and stakeholders, including assisting with email invitations and follow‑up communication
• Assisting in organizing project meetings, including core team meetings, Delphi expert meetings, and pilot‑testing sessions, as well as workshops/tutorial sessions
• Preparing meeting materials, taking meeting notes, and supporting meeting logistics

Skills

English comprehension

Qualitative research methods

Interest in health research

Research transparency knowledge

Education

Master's student at a Dutch university

Job description

Your function

Transparent and accurate reporting of medical research is essential for trustworthy evidence-based decision‑making. However,

Your duties

• Supporting communication with international experts and stakeholders, including assisting with email invitations and follow‑up communication
• Assisting in organizing project meetings, including core team meetings, Delphi expert meetings, and pilot‑testing sessions, as well as workshops/tutorial sessions
• Preparing meeting materials, taking meeting notes, and supporting meeting logistics

Your function

Transparent and accurate reporting of medical research is essential for trustworthy evidence-based decision‑making. However, “spin”— the practice of presenting research findings in a biased or misleading way to influence interpretation— remains common in medical publications. Spin can distort the interpretation of scientific evidence and may affect clinical and policy decisions. The SPIRE project aims to develop and co‑create a practical, user‑oriented reporting guidance to help minimize “spin” in medical research reporting, with a specific focus on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. The project will engage international experts and stakeholders through consensus‑building activities, including online Delphi meetings and pilot testing.

Your duties

• Supporting communication with international experts and stakeholders, including assisting with email invitations and follow‑up communication
• Assisting in organizing project meetings, including core team meetings, Delphi expert meetings, and pilot‑testing sessions, as well as workshops/tutorial sessions
• Preparing meeting materials, taking meeting notes, and supporting meeting logistics

Your profile

The Ideal Candidate

• Is currently enrolled as a Master's student at a Dutch university;
• Has good English comprehension skills and is able to understand scientific literature and discussions;
• Has basic knowledge of or experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, Delphi methods, qualitative analysis);
• Has an interest in health research and research methodology;
• Has preferably knowledge of research reporting guidelines or research transparency.

What do we offer?

Education

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At ACTA, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A salary € 3.084,00 (SA) gross per month, on a full‑time basis. This is based on UFO profile Student assistant step 3
• A position for at least 0.1 FTE (approximately 4 hours per week on average; workload may vary across phases of the project)
• Duration: 10 months (preferably October 2026 to July 2027; start date flexible in consultation)

About Us

ACTA is a partnership between the Faculties of Dentistry at the University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam.

Everything related to dentistry can be found under one roof.

Welcome to ACTA

At ACTA, we are proud of our diverse groups of patients, staff, and students, and we view diversity as an asset.

Are you interested in working with us? If so, you’ll help improve oral health for everyone —both now and in the future—in the Netherlands and around the world. You will help make a difference: whether you’re working with patients to achieve a healthy (or healthier) mouth, conducting innovative research, shaping our educational programs alongside our students, or supporting your colleagues in achieving these goals.