Your function
We are seeking a highly motivated junior researcher to support the activities within at least three projects (VU-based, national and international) and, if time allows, other projects within the Athena Institute at the VU Amsterdam. Your primary responsibility will be focused on three broader tasks - research, capacity building and project management. You will be involved in research for all three projects. With a project team, you will be involved in different phases of research (study design, data collection, data analysis, report/article writing, etc.). You will also be involved in capacity building initiatives within the projects - that include management and organization of living labs, trainings, workshops. Finally, you will be involved in project management - which includes tasks such as communication, coordination, network building, representation in different meetings, etc.
Your duties
To conduct research within the three projects as a part of the research team. The research tasks can include research design, data collection, transcription, data analysis, report/article writing, research dissemination, etc.
To organize and facilitate capacity building initiatives across the three projects. This tasks would include management, organization, and/or facilitation of living labs, trainings, workshops that cater to building/strengthening capacity of stakeholders.
To contribute in project management tasks across the three projects. This includes tasks such as communication, coordination, network building, representation in different meetings, etc.
To contribute to other projects within Athena.
Your profile
- You hold a completed university Master’s degree related to transdisciplinary research, co-creative methods, or another relevant interdisciplinary field. Candidates with a combined background in the social sciences and health & life sciences are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrable experience with qualitative research, using methods such as interviews, or focus groups (possibly as part of a course).
- Demonstrable experience in writing scientific reports (possibly as part of a course or internship).
- An interest in inter- and transdisciplinary education.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, in a flexible and proactive manner.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Professional proficiency in both Dutch and English.
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.
- The preferred start date is as soon as possible, preferably 1 February 2026. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
- a position for at least 1 FTE. The employment contract will initially be for a period of one year. Extension of the contract is possible upon good performance. The maximum duration of temporary employment is four years.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- contribution to commuting expenses
- solid pension scheme (ABP)
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
About us
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?
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
