Researcher Science with and for Society

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 function

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 duties

• Contribute to research and project management at the interface of science and society
• Focus on science communication, citizen science, reflective practice, and reflexive monitoring
• Design and conduct inter- and transdisciplinary research projects
• Analyse how scientific knowledge is communicated and used in societal contexts
• Assist with translating research efforts into policy impact
• Co-develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, and guidelines with diverse stakeholders
• Support courses, supervise student projects, and help develop educational materials
• Assist with project coordination, reporting, and course organization

Your profile

• A (Research) Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as 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.

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.

• A position for 0.8 FTE
• Your employment contract will initially last 1 year
• Any extension of the contract is possible depending 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
• Attractive fringe benefits and regulations
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Solid pension scheme (ABP)
• Contribution to commuting expenses
• Access to a wide range of sports facilities 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.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on 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.