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Researcher Science with and for Society
- VU Hoofdgebouw
- 0.8 / 0.8
- Research
- Closes on27-07-2026
- Amsterdam
- Faculty of Science
- MSc
- Publishing date07-07-2026
Researcher Science with and for Society
- VU Hoofdgebouw
- Amsterdam
- 0.8 / 0.8
- Faculty of Science
- Research
- MSc
- Closes on27-07-2026
- Publishing date07-07-2026
Your function
Step into a dynamic role as a Junior Researcher in Science with and for Society, where you’ll uncover how science shapes – and is shaped by – society through topics like science communication, citizen science, and reflexive monitoring. You’ll blend research and teaching, contributing to interdisciplinary projects while inspiring and supporting students in the classroom. If you’re curious, collaborative, and driven to make science more impactful and inclusive, we’d love to hear from you.
Your duties
We are looking for a motivated Junior Researcher (pre-doctoral) in Science with and for Society to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to research and project management at the interface of science and society, with a particular focus on science communication (SciCom), citizen science, reflective practice, and reflexive monitoring.
You will be involved in designing and conducting inter- and transdisciplinary research projects, analysing how scientific knowledge is communicated and used in societal contexts, and assist with the translation of research efforts into policy impact. In the spirit of transdisciplinary work and action-oriented research, you will co-develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, and guidelines with a wide diversity of stakeholders.
In addition, you will contribute to teaching activities, such as supporting courses, supervising student projects, and helping to develop educational materials. You will also assist with administrative responsibilities, including project coordination, reporting, and course organization. We value candidates who are curious, analytically strong, and eager to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Your profile
- a (Research) Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. science communication, public policy, science and technology studies, or a related discipline)
- a strong interest in citizen science and public engagement with science
- demonstrable experience in qualitative research, using methods such as interviews, ethnography, or focus groups
- preferably: demonstrable experience in facilitating interactive workshops, focus groups, co-creation sessions, including dialogues and train-the-trainer sessions
- strong analytical and writing skills
- ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a flexible and proactive manner
- strong organisational, communication, and collaboration skills
- professional proficiency in English; knowledge of Dutch is an advantage
- a collaborative and proactive attitude
We offer a stimulating research environment and opportunities for professional development at the intersection of science, policy, and society.
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 € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (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 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Any extension of the contract is possible a.o. on the availability of additional funding. If the contract can be renewed, its total duration may be four years. The preferred start date is as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt
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. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- solid pension scheme (ABP)
- contribution to commuting expenses
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
About us
Athena Institute
At the Athena Institute, we are dedicated to making research, innovation, and policy more responsive to societal needs. Bridging the gap between science, policy, practice, and society requires moving beyond the confines of the academic world. To achieve this, we take a transdisciplinary approach, defined by multi-actor engagement to collaboratively address the persistent, multi-faceted societal challenges of our time.
Our research and education takes place at the interface of science, technology, and society, where diverse perspectives come together. We develop inclusive and reflexive methodologies that invite collaborations across disciplines, sectors, and societal groups. These approaches are designed to foster mutual learning, challenge assumptions, and build trust - laying the foundations for systemic and transformational change.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
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. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
Your function
Step into a dynamic role as a Junior Researcher in Science with and for Society, where you’ll uncover how science shapes – and is shaped by – society through topics like science communication, citizen science, and reflexive monitoring. You’ll blend research and teaching, contributing to interdisciplinary projects while inspiring and supporting students in the classroom. If you’re curious, collaborative, and driven to make science more impactful and inclusive, we’d love to hear from you.
Your duties
We are looking for a motivated Junior Researcher (pre-doctoral) in Science with and for Society to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to research and project management at the interface of science and society, with a particular focus on science communication (SciCom), citizen science, reflective practice, and reflexive monitoring.
You will be involved in designing and conducting inter- and transdisciplinary research projects, analysing how scientific knowledge is communicated and used in societal contexts, and assist with the translation of research efforts into policy impact. In the spirit of transdisciplinary work and action-oriented research, you will co-develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, and guidelines with a wide diversity of stakeholders.
In addition, you will contribute to teaching activities, such as supporting courses, supervising student projects, and helping to develop educational materials. You will also assist with administrative responsibilities, including project coordination, reporting, and course organization. We value candidates who are curious, analytically strong, and eager to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Your profile
- a (Research) Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. science communication, public policy, science and technology studies, or a related discipline)
- a strong interest in citizen science and public engagement with science
- demonstrable experience in qualitative research, using methods such as interviews, ethnography, or focus groups
- preferably: demonstrable experience in facilitating interactive workshops, focus groups, co-creation sessions, including dialogues and train-the-trainer sessions
- strong analytical and writing skills
- ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a flexible and proactive manner
- strong organisational, communication, and collaboration skills
- professional proficiency in English; knowledge of Dutch is an advantage
- a collaborative and proactive attitude
We offer a stimulating research environment and opportunities for professional development at the intersection of science, policy, and society.
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 € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (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 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Any extension of the contract is possible a.o. on the availability of additional funding. If the contract can be renewed, its total duration may be four years. The preferred start date is as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt
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. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- solid pension scheme (ABP)
- contribution to commuting expenses
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
About us
Athena Institute
At the Athena Institute, we are dedicated to making research, innovation, and policy more responsive to societal needs. Bridging the gap between science, policy, practice, and society requires moving beyond the confines of the academic world. To achieve this, we take a transdisciplinary approach, defined by multi-actor engagement to collaboratively address the persistent, multi-faceted societal challenges of our time.
Our research and education takes place at the interface of science, technology, and society, where diverse perspectives come together. We develop inclusive and reflexive methodologies that invite collaborations across disciplines, sectors, and societal groups. These approaches are designed to foster mutual learning, challenge assumptions, and build trust - laying the foundations for systemic and transformational change.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
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. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.