Transdisciplinary research in sustainable development projects

14 Mar 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Cultural studies

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

6 Apr 2025 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We offer the position of junior researcher and lecturer, combining research and teaching 50% : 50% (on a fulltime contract) on transdisciplinary research for sustainable development at Athena Institute. You will split your research time between two research projects:

Athena is project lead in the NWO funded project Do we really work transdisciplinary? Transdisciplinary research for reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Sub-Saharan Africa with collaborating partners in the Netherlands (Maastricht University and TU Delft) and the (former) SDG Centre in Africa (Rwanda). Transdisciplinary research (TDR) is seen as essential to address complex, interconnected challenges related to the SDGs, ensuring that research is both needs-based, actionable, and can contribute to sustainable system transformation. Yet, little is known about how TDR is practiced in the Global South for reaching the SDGs specifically. This project will aim to understand how we can genuinely work transdisciplinary within the context of sustainable development in the global south and derive lessons to improve transdisciplinary practice in the global south. The project will achieve this through a literature review; retrospective case studies of transdisciplinary projects that target one or more SDGs; learning-by-doing through training, monitoring and reflexive practices on implementing TDR principles within (transdisciplinary) PhD research on SDGs in Sub-Saharan Africa; and expert workshops to create empirically informed policy recommendations and collaborations to improve future TDR in SDG related initiatives.

You will also be contributing to the VU tasks within the READI project. The Research in Europe and Diversity Inclusion (READI) Project aims to foster a more inclusive and democratic ecosystem for clinical studies by promoting the engagement of key stakeholders in the inclusion of underserved and underrepresented populations. The consortium consists of over 70 organizations across 18 countries. Your tasks will include, but are not limited to, supporting a review process, conducting interviews, and assisting with project management.

As a junior researcher, you will contribute to all of these tasks. The teaching activities as a coaching lecturer, are part of courses and programs coordinated by the Athena Institute on a variety of subjects amongst which global health, clinical research, science and technology studies, and research/ technology ethics. The language of instruction is English or Dutch. From the start, you will be guided in teaching through monthly training and bi-weekly peer review sessions, leading to the attainment of a University Teaching Qualification.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/350169/transdisciplinary-research-in-s…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• have a MSc degree, preferably related to global health, health sciences, international development, sustainable development, management policy analysis and entrepeneurship , science and technology studies, or a related field.
• have preferably expertise in both qualitative and participatory research methods and you are open to transdisciplinary research work;
• have an open and flexible mindset and affinity with the art of co-creation and dialogue, and preferably have experience in project management
• write and speak English fluently, and preferably proficiency in Dutch;
• are a team player;
• have some form of teaching experience; this is an advantage but not a strict requirement

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.

Additional Information
Benefits

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:

• the position of junior researcher and lecturer, combining research and teaching 50% : 50% (on a fulltime contract
• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10-0) and maximum € 4.060,00 (Scale 10-4) 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, where scale 10-0 scale is used for candidates in the first year after obtaining their master's degree.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists. The maximum duration of the appointment is 2 years, unless additional funding is obtained that allows for an extension to the maximum duration of 4 years.

Important information: during the period from August 19th to the first week of February, it is not possible to take vacation, except for the 2-week Christmas break, because teaching commitments are crucial during this time. Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made.
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)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Additional comments

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 received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/350169/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Geofield

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED

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