The call for public engagement in science, technology and socio-technical transitions has recently changed its course to a more holistic and systemic approach. Instead of solely focusing on discrete events, a systemic approach is attentive to interrelations between practices of participation and how they shape and are shaped by broader systems of science and technology. With such a focus the dynamics of participation are foregrounded as a constitutive part, instead of as existing outside of systems.
The Athena Institute is currently involved in a number of research projects aimed at encouraging and enabling a diversity of stakeholders (industries, universities, researchers) to engage citizens in their research and development work. The European SocKETs consortium's mission is to enable industries to engage with citizens on key enabling technologies (e.g. nano- & biotechnologies, internet of things, blockchain technology) to align the development of these technologies with societal values and needs, expectations and concerns. As part of the Aurora alliance, we collaborate with 9 European universities to map and learn from each other's citizen engagement and open science practices. In the Netherlands we collaborate with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) to reflect on and institutionally embed practices of meaningful public engagement.
As part of the Athena Institute, we mainly use interactive and interventionist methodologies for conducting, mapping and monitoring citizen engagement. Your research tasks include, but are not limited to, project management and research, and further conceptualizing the systemic turn on the basis of the empirical research of different research projects.
The teaching activities are part of courses and programs coordinated by the Athena Institute on a variety of subjects amongst which science and technology studies, science communication and research/ technology ethics. The language of instruction is English and Dutch.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious, and creative candidate who has a master's degree, preferably related to science and technology studies public engagement, responsible research and innovation, research/ technology ethics or other discipline(s) that shows an integrated social sciences and natural sciences background

• expertise in both qualitative and participatory research methods and an interest in transdisciplinary research work
• an open and flexible mindset and affinity with the art of co-creation and dialogue
• an ability to write and speak both Dutch and English fluently (both needed for teaching and research work)
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• strong track record and research skills, relative to experience, and excellent academic writing and presentation skills

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,434 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,111 (PhD) per month, based on full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for a period of one year with a possible extension conditional upon assessment of adequate functioning.
The maximum duration of the appointment is 6 years. It is possible to obtain the Basic Education Qualification (BKO).

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment,
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• solid pension scheme (ABP),
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave,
• child daycare facilities available on campus

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
The position is offered within the Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences. The institute's mission is to study and design interfaces between science and society to contribute both to a deeper understanding of innovation processes as well as a responsible implementation of research and innovation in society. Athena's research program amongst other focuses on analysing complex global health challenges, designing interventions and conducting participatory monitoring and evaluation research. The section presently has a position vacant for a Postdoc/Lecturer.
For more information about the Athena Institute visit our website.