Scientific Researcher UNITY project – WP4: Simulation exercises

The UNITY project strengthens pandemic preparedness in the Netherlands by developing and testing an integrated decision-making framework for interdisciplinary scientific advice. An important part of this project is designing simulation exercises as a method to evaluate and refine the framework under realistic, high-pressure conditions.
The simulation exercises replicate the advisory processes that take place during pandemic scenarios and enable participants—including scientists, policymakers, advisors, and citizens—to communicate within a realistic decision-making environment. These exercises are dynamic, structured environments used to stress-test the integrated decision-making framework, investigate the interdisciplinary advisory process, and assess how uncertainties, societal impacts, and conflicting values are handled in practice.

Your tasks include:

• Designing and executing various simulation exercises to test (parts of) the integrated decision-making framework.
• Coordinating with stakeholders (e.g. policymakers, scientists, advisory bodies, citizens) to recruit participants and ensure scenario relevance.
• Developing exercise materials (scripts, roles, timelines, injects).
• Facilitating both large-scale and small-scale simulation sessions.
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative data from the exercises (e.g. dynamics of deliberation, advisory outcomes, conflicts and solutions).
• Developing an interactive dashboard for use during the exercises, filled with fictional background information such as epidemiological data, modeling data, and socio-economic data and information.
• Conducting research into the function, impact, and methodological value of simulation exercises for pandemic preparedness.
• Translating simulation formats into workshops for educational or policy settings.

• A Master’s degree or PhD in public health, disaster studies, science and technology studies (STS), political science, sociology, policy studies, or a related field.
• Experience with qualitative and/or mixed-methods research.
• Familiarity with simulation- or scenario-based learning, crisis management, policy processes, or participatory methods.
• Skilled in organizing and facilitating interactive sessions with diverse stakeholders.
• A team player with excellent communication skills, interested in interdisciplinary collaboration, and fluent in both Dutch and English.

UNITY – UNified Integration of Health and Societal Impact Translation of Yield to Policy and Practice – is a ZonMw-funded research consortium. The project will run for 16 months. Its goal is to develop, test, and refine an integrated decision-making framework that supports policymakers with scientifically grounded, inclusive, and practically feasible advice during pandemics and health crises. The project includes knowledge synthesis, modeling, framework development, simulation exercises, and reflections on the interaction between science and policy.

UNITY Work Packages

• WP1: Data, Knowledge, and Knowledge Synthesis – collects and integrates biomedical, public health, and socio-economic knowledge for decision-making during pandemics.
• WP2: Integrated Decision-Making Framework – develops the framework, tools, and practice-oriented guidelines for integrated advice.
• WP3: Modeling – focuses on integrated models that connect health, economic, and societal outcomes.
• WP4: Simulation Exercises and Practical Feasibility – tests (parts of) the framework in simulation exercises and assesses the practical feasibility of integrated advice.
• WP5: Reflection, Interaction, and Mutual Learning – analyzes interactions between science and policy and promotes reflection and learning within UNITY and with external stakeholders.

The cross-cutting themes are interwoven throughout all five work packages and focus on the position of vulnerable groups during crises, citizen participation in scientific advice, and handling scientific uncertainties.

The UNITY consortium is a collaboration between Erasmus MC (Viroscience, Public Health, and the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center), Erasmus University Rotterdam (ESSB and ESHPM), Radboudumc (IQ-Health and Primary Care), UMC Utrecht, Maastricht University, Utrecht University, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, SEO Economic Research and Nivel.

About the PDPC and the Convergence
Erasmus MC, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam collaborate in the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC). The PDPC prepares society for future pandemics and disasters by reducing vulnerabilities and risks and building resilience through effective prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Combining technical, medical, and social sciences is essential for developing the next generation of response strategies. Due to climate change, unexpected virus outbreaks and extreme climate-related disasters are likely to increase. The PDPC helps protect society by translating lessons learned into practical prevention and intervention strategies.

The PDPC is housed at Erasmus MC, a leading national and international center for research in virology, public health, preventive medicine, and healthcare system innovation. You will work in an inspiring interdisciplinary environment where you contribute to shaping the future of health and society.

• A temporary appointment for 16 months. You will start on 1 September 2025 and work until 31 December 2026.
• A gross monthly salary of at least €4,818 and up to €6,594 (scale 11).
• A 13th month paid in November and travel reimbursement.
• Pension coverage through ABP. We pay 70% of your pension premium, meaning your net salary may be higher than expected.
• Living abroad? Our International Office will support your relocation and stay.
• Access to sports facilities at Erasmus MC. Got a flat tire? Our bike mechanic will fix it for you.

Make this vacancy your new job! Apply now via the application button. Action is where it begins.

Questions about the vacancy? Contact one of our colleagues:

• Bart Blokland, Junior Researcher PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 525 987 36
• Jeannette de Boer, Head of Education PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 414 901 69
• Anja Schreijer, Medical Director PDPC, via: +31 (0)6 109 163 92

This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In case of equal suitability, internal candidates are given priority.