You will contribute to ongoing research projects in the department of Economic Geography. Examples of ongoing projects include the effects of automatization on regional labour markets, understanding intergenerational poverty, developing regional well-being indicators, solo self-employment (ZZP-ers). The main task will be gathering, preparing, managing and analyzing empirical data used in these projects. In addition, you may participate in the write-up and presentation of the project outcomes. These may be in the form of research reports, but they can also be scientific publications.

Also, you will contribute to the development of grant proposals. The main tasks will be to process information about the application process and conditions as well as developing the conceptual arguments in the proposal itself (writing a literature review, for example). If appropriate, you will contribute to the write-up and coordination of the proposal. Importantly, if interested and possible, developing a personal PhD grant application is also an opportunity in the position.

The position allows you to explore different aspects of the practice of scientific research, while working in an experienced research team. As such, the one-year position can be a great stepping-stone for a PhD-position, although this is not a goal in and of itself.

We are looking for candidates with:
• a MSc degree (or near completion) in Human Geography, Economics, Sociology or related
• a keen interest in issues of socio-economic inequality, regional well-being and/or regional labour market dynamics
• a proven proficiency in quantitative empirical research and the management of large datasets
• a proactive work attitude and the ability to cooperate in a project team
• good writing and presentation skills
• an excellent command of English; a passive understanding of Dutch is preferable
• a great curiosity, versatility and enthusiasm for research.

Your Competences:
• analytical and conceptual thinking
• creativity
• planning and organizing
• presenting.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualifications and work experience of € 2,588 gross per month (salary scale 10.0 Dutch Universities) for a full-time position. This position is defined according to the UFO function profile 'researcher 4'. The appointment is temporary for a period of 12 months.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Procedure
Selection for job interviews will take place on 8 March 2018. Job interviews will take place between 12 and 16 March 2018.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 6 March 23:59 h / before 7 March 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

We ask you to submit
Your CV and a cover letter which includes a short note on the topics you would be particularly interested in working on. Also, please submit a PDF or a link to your master’s thesis if available.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Spatial Sciences

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen (RUG) consists of around 95 members of staff and 95 PhD researchers. The Faculty focuses on high quality teaching and research in the fields of spatial planning, economic and cultural geography and demography. The research theme of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences is 'Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation'. Our mission is to produce research which is world-leading, distinctive, and policy-relevant. With two bachelor and eight master programmes, the faculty offers a wide range of courses within the field to about 900 students.

The position is situated in the department of Economic Geography, which has about 10 members of staff and 15 PhD researchers. Research focuses on labour market dynamics, well-being and happiness, entrepreneurship and real estate. Worldwide, the University of Groningen is the third largest centre in regional economic research.