Project Manager for External Scientific Research Projects

The department of Project Management at the Faculty of Science is looking for a skilled and experienced project manager to support the newly acquired 'Zwaartekracht' project 'institute for Chemical Neuro Science (iCNS)'. This ten year research program is funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO and consists of a consortium of Dutch research organisations that have an excellent scientific record in the field of Neuroscience.

The project manager is part of the support team further consisting of a data manager, a talent development manager and a knowledge utilisation manager. The support team assists the project executive board in fulfilling the objectives of the programme.

As the department of project management we are responsible for the day to day management of all externally funded research projects that are coordinated by the Faculty of Science. Our department continuously runs several projects and at the same time assists project leaders in acquiring new projects under their lead.

We are highly flexible in operating in both current running projects and in the constant acquisition rounds of proposals with external funders, like the European Commission, Dutch national funding agencies like NWO and RVO/ministries. We are highly service oriented towards the scientific staff, and always working towards solutions and positive results.

The Faculty of Science has been very successful in acquiring large consortium projects, as coordinator, and has defined a priority to maintain and possibly expand this position. Our department plays a key role in supporting this policy and realizing this ambition.

The application pressure is high and support to coordinating projects and proposals needs to remain on the highest possible level.

Tasks/responsiblities

• Day-to-day executive management of the relevant project and follow up on requirements set by the external funding agency and the executive board;
• Management of internal relations with all project co-workers;
• Support the project executive board and coordinate the support team; this will include working at both UvA (SILS, Amsterdam Science Park) and for 2 days per week at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (Meibergdreef, Amsterdam) for the first 3-4 years.
• Management of legal, financial, educational and administrative obligations of the project, towards the funding agency, the different partners in the consortium and the UvA;
• Prepare reports, both internal and external;
• Financial management and reporting, in close cooperation with the UvA project administration;
• Coordinate (the organization of) the educational program of the project, and dissemination activities like workshops, website, press releases and press contacts, conferences and publications; project meetings;
• Maintain contacts with external stakeholders and act as first contact for the project;
• Actively support research staff in the faculty in acquiring new projects, negotiate with potential funders and advise on funding opportunities and assist and contribute to proposal writing processes;
• Contribute to the further enhancement and development of the department of project management, actively collaborate with and offer advice to colleagues.

Our requirements / your profile:

• Higher professional education or academic background, preferably in science, preferably PhD level. Experience with scientific research especially in the field of neuroscience is an advantage;
• Good knowledge of the Consortium grant schemes (Zwaartekracht, Horizon Europe, NWO collaborative schemes etc.);
• Proven experience in project management, understanding subsidy schemes.
• Understanding of and experience with complex project administrative issues like finances, budgeting, procedures, legal issues, and organization.
• Capable of functionally leading small dedicated project teams.
  

Furthermore you:

• are capable of operating both independently with own authority, based on knowledge, expertise and experience, within a team where you are willing to handle each other’s work where necessary;
• are comfortable in preparing and handling financial reports, budgets and overviews, both for internal purposes, on the consortium level and for the funding agency;
• have a creative mind in setting up new projects and converting ideas into practice;
• demonstrate a service-oriented attitude towards the goal of bringing more and better science to our Faculty. You are willing to perform both high and low level tasks in the relevant projects;
• have excellent communicative skills, both in Dutch and English, and are capable of, and responsible for connecting and uniting the different parties involved, and of maintaining a high level, sometimes intercultural network.

Employment

An initial one year contract for 32 to 38 hours per week, and upon a positive evaluation a permanent contract.

The salary, depending on relevant experience at former job positions, will be 3.226 to 5.929 (scale 10/11) gross per month, based on full-time employment (38 hours a week). These amounts are exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8,3 % end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. For this position we can not sponsor a visa. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Questions?

Do you have any further questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact:

Jacco Konijn, Head of Project management

T: +31 (0)6 13538282 / j.l.konijn@uva.nl

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application before 30 June 2024.

You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications should include a motivation letter and have a resume.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please