We are looking for a junior researcher to support the interdisciplinary project ‘Hybrid employment in the platform economy: Who is juggling multiple jobs and how?’ The researcher will assist the research team (Prof. Claartje ter Hoeven and dr. Francisca Grommé) in conducting a desk study, conducting interviews with experts and platform workers, and data analysis. It is a part-time position (0,4 fte) for one year, preferably from October 2021. We are looking to interview invited applicants in the week of August 16, 2021.

Background to the research project: Currently, the majority of platform workers in the Netherlands juggles multiple jobs. Despite the frequency of hybrid employment and its challenges for workers, platform work is generally studied in isolation (Ilsøe, Larsen, & Bach 2021). By combining insights from among others organisational studies, sociology and organisational psychology, we seek to learn how platform workers organise and experience hybrid employment. The key objective is to specify the factors related to hybrid employment that affect the quality of working life reported by platform workers.

The project comprises three sub-projects that each inform the next. The junior researcher is expected to be primarily involved with the first two stages. First, we will develop methodological guidelines for locating and approaching platform workers in hybrid employment in the Netherlands. Second, we will examine how platform workers practically organise and experience combining different forms of employment. Drawing on interviews, we aim to distinguish different modes of multiple jobholding in the platform economy. Third, we will test the effect of combining multiple jobs on work motivation and recovery from work by conducting a quantitative diary study.

We are looking for a junior researcher who:

• Has a master in the social sciences (e.g., Sociology, Public Administration, Communication Studies, Anthropology, Organisation Studies, STS), with an interest in (digital) labor;
• Has experience in conducting interviews;
• Has experience and is interested in conducting literature research;
• Has good organizational and planning skills and is interested in improving their research skills;
• Has excellent speaking and writing skills in Dutch and English;
• Likes working in and being part of a research team;
• Is available from 1 October 2021 – 30 September 2022.

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The start date of this position is 1 October 2021 and you will be based at Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. The successful candidate will be offered a part-time, one-year contract with Erasmus University Rotterdam.

In accordance with the conditions applied at Erasmus University Rotterdam as indicated in the Collective Labour Agreement (cao NU) of the Dutch universities, the salary is dependent on the candidate’s experience and is set at a maximum of cao NU scale 10 of € 2.790,-  gross per month, on a fulltime basis. In addition, EUR pays an 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year payment of 8.3% and offers excellent secondary benefits, and a very generous leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision and we offer partially paid parental leave, fully paid extended birth leave for partners, a personal education budget, work-life balance coaches and more. Employees can also use EUR facilities, such as the Erasmus sports center and the University library.

EUR offers a Dual Career Programme (DCP) to assist the life partners of new academic staff (on pay-roll) in finding employment in The Netherlands. The programme is offered in close cooperation with nearby universities of Delft and Leiden.

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Applications are invited from internal (EUR) and external candidates. Internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates when possible.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work in close collaboration with internal and external parties to solve global, social challenges, inspired by the always dynamic and cosmopolitan Rotterdam. Our mission is therefore "Creating positive societal impact". Our academic education is intensive, active and application-oriented. Our research increasingly takes place in multidisciplinary teams, which are strongly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and thanks to the high quality of education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. The Erasmian values ​​function as our internal compass and make Erasmus University recognizable to the outside world: engaged with society, world citizen, connecting, entrepreneurial and open-minded. www.eur.nl

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is home to a vast diversity of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology and sociology. In addition, the Erasmus University College, IHS, and two research institutes RISBO and DRIFT are linked to the faculty. This also reflects in the content of the (international) bachelor's and master's programs and in research.  Our activities are always focused on people and society. At the ESSB fundamental, internationally oriented research is of paramount importance. In addition, social research for professionals, policy makers, and the society is part of our research activities. ESSB offers a stimulating research environment where major national and international research grants are received. Appealing guest researchers and ambitious PhD candidates come along to conduct their research. Our education is small-scale and works with innovative forms of education such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English programs are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 4000 students and more than 400 staff-members. The different disciplines are supported by the Faculty Office (for more information, please visit www.eur.nl/essb).