Postdoc Healthcare Governance, Innovation and Transdisciplinarity

We are seeking a passionate postdoctoral researcher for the EU Horizon project on Nature-based Interventions for Health and Well-being.

Your function

At the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam we invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the EU Horizon project Nature-based interventions for improving health and well-being.

This position is part of a European research project in which you will lead a transdisciplinairy study that explores the needs and expectations of key stakeholders within and beyond healthcare systems in Portugal, Germany, Greece, Peru and the Netherlands to engage with so-called nature-based therapies (NBTs). Nature-based therapies (NBT) are seen as treatments that promote well-being and support health prevention and rehabilitation through dedicated programmes in green spaces. Successful uptake of such therapies in present-day healthcare systems in Europe requires transformations in health care governance.

Your duties
You will lead the co-design of interaction platforms and guidelines that enable context-sensitive uptake NBTs in healthcare practices. The stakeholders you will engage with include authorities and regulators of green spaces, private and public healthcare sector representatives, planning authorities, representatives from the food, education and innovation sectors, and more.

Furthermore, you will work with an assistant researcher on the same topic as well as facilitate an Amsterdam-based field study in the Bijlmermeer neighbourhood of Amsterdam-Zuidoost, performed by partners in the project, which investigates the short-, medium- and long-term benefits of nature-based therapeutic programmes in a quantitative manner.

Your profile

  • A completed PhD in science, technology & society studies, governance transformations, participatory design, innovation studies, or a related (inter)discipline; an additional background in the sciences is a plus;
  • Experience with participatory research methods that co-shape technologies and practices to address societal challenges in an equitable way;
  • Proven ability to be a strong collaborator within interdisciplinary teams (listening, flexible, adaptive, pro-active);
  • An (inter)national network relevant to the position;
  • Good command of Dutch and excellent command of English. Given the extensive collaboration with both international as well as Dutch partners, a good command of Dutch language is required for the position.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, 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 of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for 0.6 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year with a possible extension conditional upon assessment of adequate functioning until the end of the project: 30-11-2027. If new funding is acquired after that date, it is possible to extend the appointment to a maximum duration of 4 years. The starting date can be as soon as possible.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • solid pension scheme (ABP)
  • child daycare facilities available on campus
  • the possibility to work partly from home

About us

Athena Institute
The Athena Institute addresses complex societal issues, like climate change, health inequality and social injustice. We do this by designing, facilitating and studying multi-stakeholder processes. Together with all actors involved, we investigate how to instigate system transformation.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

The selection procedure consists of two rounds of interviews. Candidates invited to the second round are asked to provide a writing sample (the most relevant scientific article). Additionally, a tailor-made assignment may follow. We also ask for the names of three referees.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Your function

At the Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam we invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the EU Horizon project Nature-based interventions for improving health and well-being.

This position is part of a European research project in which you will lead a transdisciplinairy study that explores the needs and expectations of key stakeholders within and beyond healthcare systems in Portugal, Germany, Greece, Peru and the Netherlands to engage with so-called nature-based therapies (NBTs). Nature-based therapies (NBT) are seen as treatments that promote well-being and support health prevention and rehabilitation through dedicated programmes in green spaces. Successful uptake of such therapies in present-day healthcare systems in Europe requires transformations in health care governance.

Your duties
You will lead the co-design of interaction platforms and guidelines that enable context-sensitive uptake NBTs in healthcare practices. The stakeholders you will engage with include authorities and regulators of green spaces, private and public healthcare sector representatives, planning authorities, representatives from the food, education and innovation sectors, and more.

Furthermore, you will work with an assistant researcher on the same topic as well as facilitate an Amsterdam-based field study in the Bijlmermeer neighbourhood of Amsterdam-Zuidoost, performed by partners in the project, which investigates the short-, medium- and long-term benefits of nature-based therapeutic programmes in a quantitative manner.

Your profile

  • A completed PhD in science, technology & society studies, governance transformations, participatory design, innovation studies, or a related (inter)discipline; an additional background in the sciences is a plus;
  • Experience with participatory research methods that co-shape technologies and practices to address societal challenges in an equitable way;
  • Proven ability to be a strong collaborator within interdisciplinary teams (listening, flexible, adaptive, pro-active);
  • An (inter)national network relevant to the position;
  • Good command of Dutch and excellent command of English. Given the extensive collaboration with both international as well as Dutch partners, a good command of Dutch language is required for the position.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, 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 of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for 0.6 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year with a possible extension conditional upon assessment of adequate functioning until the end of the project: 30-11-2027. If new funding is acquired after that date, it is possible to extend the appointment to a maximum duration of 4 years. The starting date can be as soon as possible.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • solid pension scheme (ABP)
  • child daycare facilities available on campus
  • the possibility to work partly from home

About us

Athena Institute
The Athena Institute addresses complex societal issues, like climate change, health inequality and social injustice. We do this by designing, facilitating and studying multi-stakeholder processes. Together with all actors involved, we investigate how to instigate system transformation.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Caroline Meier zu Biesen

Assistant Professor Transdisciplinary Global Health

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

The selection procedure consists of two rounds of interviews. Candidates invited to the second round are asked to provide a writing sample (the most relevant scientific article). Additionally, a tailor-made assignment may follow. We also ask for the names of three referees.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Caroline Meier zu Biesen

Assistant Professor Transdisciplinary Global Health

Application procedure

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