Make a positive impact in the global healthcare community with cutting-edge medical mixed reality technology. apoQlar is the developer of several medical mixed and virtual reality platforms which are revolutionizing how medicine is practiced, experienced, learned, and shared. HoloMedicine® is a software platform that leverages to transform medical images, clinical workflows, and medical education into an interactive 3D mixed reality environment. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as a PhD candidate (m/f/d). You will work hand in hand with our R&D Team to support the subject SurgiLearnX: Revolutionizing surgical training with XR-enhanced MOOC platform within the Marie Skłodowska -Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) project INSIDE:INSIGHT. INSIDE:INSIGHT is a Doctoral Network funded by the Horizon Europe programme of the EU. It is composed of 12 partners across Europe, Canada and New-Zealand and includes leading scientists from academia and industry. Within the consortium there is expertise in educational theories and technologies, human anatomy, computer vision and sciences, biomedical engineering, medical imaging and surgery. INSIDE:INSIGHT proposes 10 independent doctoral research projects with the ambition of providing its trainees with a comprehensive understanding of educational technologies in the biomedical field. Through its research and training activities, the INSIDE:INSIGHT project will contribute to scientific advancement and innovation in Europe, ultimately leading to societal and economic benefits. Graduates of INSIDE:INSIGHT will be well-prepared for a career in as well as outside academia with an innovative and beyond state-of-the-art view on different aspects of educational technologies. Moreover, the students will be trained in transferable skills, such as communication, entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights and ethics. Participating in INSIDE:INSIGHT offers doctoral candidates many unique opportunities, including: A project as Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee in one of the participating institutions with the objective of receiving a doctoral degree (PhD). State-of-the art, exciting research in an international consortium with highly integrated projects. Expert training in basic and applied research, along with a thorough understanding of entrepreneurship and valorisation. A research training period in another consortium member's lab lasting from a few weeks up to three months, performed in a different country. · Gross Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable. · Gross Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable. DC8: SurgiLearnX: Revolutionizing surgical training with XR-enhanced MOOC platform Hosting Institution: University Hospital Essen (UKE) and the company Apoqlar (APQ), Germany Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Jan Egger and Dr. Daniela Salzmann Location: Hamburg, Germany Email address for the applications: human.resourcesapoqlar.com Internal Deadline: 31th of January 2025 Subject area: XR-enhanced MOOC Platform development Project-specific selection criteria Candidates should have a Master’s degree or similar education level in biomedical engineering, technical medicine, computer science or a related discipline, with a strong interest or proven experience in XR technologies (VR, AR, MR) and their application in education or healthcare. They should have programming experience, particularly in C#, Unity, or Unreal Engine, with a background in developing XR applications. Experience in user experience (UX) design, conducting user tests, and refining user interfaces based on feedback is essential, along with a good command of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Familiarity with the infrastructure for hosting MOOC applications—particularly cloud services, databases such as SQL and NoSQL, and user authentication systems—is highly desirable. Additionally, experience with web development frameworks such as React or Node.js, or backend infrastructure like AWS or Azure, would be advantageous. The candidate should also have strong research interests and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct rigorous academic work. Eligibility criteria Experience eligibility requirement Eligible candidates must: hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field of science relevant to their chosen project demonstrate a history of academic excellence not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment Mobility eligibility requirement: The Candidate must not have resided in the country where the research training activities will take place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (and not have carried out their main activity - work, studies, etc. - in that country). Additional requirements: Applicants must speak and write fluently in English. Applicants should be able to work in a multidisciplinary team and have excellent communication skills. Applicants should be available to start their project preferably no later than March 1st, 2025. Applicants must be eligible to work in the European Union. Additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the recruiting beneficiary. Selection process The selection procedure will be open, transparent and merit-based, fully aligned with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Although the selection will be based on the quality of applications, gender balance will also be considered. Candidates can apply for a maximum of three PhD projects within the INSIDE:INSIGHT project and the applications need to be submitted separately. Applications (in English) must include: 1. a cover letter which will also include the motivation for the position, emphasizing the candidate’s strength regarding the project and the requirements (max 3 pages); 2. a CV (max 2 pages); 3. a scan of the relevant diplomas or certificates that formally entitle the candidate to embark on a doctorate. Typically, these documents will include Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree certificates. In case the Master’s Degree has not been obtained yet at the closing date for application, the candidate has to submit a declaration signed by their supervisor or University official stating that the degree will be obtained by the time of PhD enrolment; 4. Letter of Recommendation from two appropriate referees or contact details of two referees. Application documents in a single pdf file ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/290554. The subject line of the email must be in the following format: “INSIDE:INSIGHT application for Project_DC8”. Contact: human.resourcesapoqlar.com Link to EU Guidelines: wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf