Senior Researcher Digital Humanities

For over 85 years, the Fryske Akademy has been conducting scientific research on the Frisian language, multilingual society, and regional history of Friesland. Through its multidisciplinary research, the Fryske Akademy contributes innovative insights to international academic debates, strengthens the academic climate in Leeuwarden and Friesland, and generates inspiring fundamental and applied knowledge for and about Frisian society.

The Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning has been part of the Fryske Akademy since 1987. Mercator conducts comparative and applied research across Europe on multilingual education, language policy, and language vitality, linking these topics to social issues in Friesland. In this way, the Fryske Akademy ensures high-quality research with societal impact, demonstrating a strong commitment to Frisia and its people. The Fryske Akademy is well embedded in the region and affiliated with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).

We are seeking a

Senior Researcher in the Digital Humanities with Coordinating Responsibilities
38 hours per week/ 1 FTE

Are you an experienced researcher interested in advancing the application of Digital Humanities (DH) within the context of the Frisian language, culture, and history? Would you like to play a coordinating role that enables innovative research by connecting colleagues, projects, and data through the development of digital infrastructure? Are you eager to contribute to a research institute that delivers high-quality scholarship on the Frisian case? And are you motivated by the challenge of taking the lead in developing initiatives that will raise the level of our research even higher? If so, we encourage you to read on.

Candidate Profile
We seek a senior researcher with robust expertise in Digital Humanities, interdisciplinary research, and the development of digital infrastructure. Familiarity with making research data digitally accessible is essential, as is the ability to connect academic research with the design and development of the digital frameworks that are to be developed, maintained, and improved in collaboration with colleagues. The successful candidate will be expected to articulate a clear vision for the role of Digital Humanities in the context of the Fryske Akademy and the Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning, and to contribute actively to the realisation of that vision.

Key Responsibilities
The appointed researcher will conduct both independent and collaborative research in the field of the Frisian language, culture, or history, and will contribute to the development of datasets and digital research infrastructure. The role includes responsibility for project development and the acquisition of external funding.

For a period of several years, the researcher will serve as a programme coordinator for 50% of their time. In this capacity, and together with two fellow programme coordinators, they will oversee the academic programme derived from the institute’s research agenda, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as required. The coordinator will also supervise junior colleagues, ensure research output, and evaluate new project proposals.

In developing the digital research infrastructure, the researcher will work closely with the Akademy’s technical developers. Together, they will determine priorities, formulate goals, and plan the further development of an interdisciplinary and user-friendly digital environment. This infrastructure is intended to integrate various digital platforms and to support linguistic, historical, and cultural research in an interconnected way. The successful candidate will play a leading role in involving the wider organisation in the development and implementation of this infrastructure. The Fryske Akademy works in close partnership with institutions such as the KNAW Humanities Cluster in Amsterdam, the University of Groningen, and the Dutch Language Institute (INT) in Leiden.

Primary Duties

• Conducting original academic research on the Frisian language, culture, or history;
• Collaborating on the design and development of digital infrastructure aligned with the research agenda;
• Identifying the data and tools requirements of the Akademy’s researchers;
• Initiating and supporting new research projects in the field of Digital Humanities, and engaging with national and international research programmes;
• Strengthening the connections between DH projects within the Fryske Akademy and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration;
• As part of the coordinating role, monitoring and, where necessary, refining the strategic directions set out in the research agenda.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in the Humanities and at least 5 to 10 years of experience in initiating, securing funding for, publishing, and conducting research projects;
• A willingness to focus on research relating to the Frisian language, culture, or history;
• Technical and methodological insight, with the ability to connect academic research with the design and development of digital infrastructure;
• Experience in mentoring and managing colleagues is considered an advance;
• A well-established academic network and strong collaboration skills;
• Analytical, independent, and proactive, and initiative-driven;
• Excellent command of both Dutch and English, both spoken and written. A Frisian language course will be provided if the candidate does not yet speak Frisian.

What We Offer

• A stimulating and independent position with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by developing and leading initiatives;
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for remote work;
• The nature of the appointment depends on qualifications and experience. The initial contract will be for one year and may be converted to a permanent appointment following a positive evaluation.
• Depending on qualifications and experience, the gross monthly salary for a full-time position will be up to € 7,056 (UFO profile Researcher 2, scale 12, Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement);
• Competitive secondary employment benefits;
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where professional development and individual contribution are highly valued.

About the Fryske Akademy
The Fryske Akademy is a research institute specialising in the study of the Frisian linguistic and cultural landscape, as well as European minority languages (through its Mercator branch). The Akademy is the leading centre for Frisian studies in the Netherlands and plays a crucial role in minority language research within Europe. Embedded in national and international research infrastructures, the Akademy is affiliated with the KNAW and collaborates closely with KNAW institutes and universities. As a relatively small institution with an extensive network and significant ambitions, the Akademy offers an environment where researchers enjoy considerable academic freedom. We operate within a flat organisational structure, where researchers work independently and collaboratively with enthusiasm and dedication. Collegial cooperation and space for initiative are fundamental to our working culture.

Programme Coordinators
To ensure the effective execution of our scientific programme, we have established the role of programme coordinator. Senior researchers are expected to assume this role on a rotational basis per policy period, working alongside a fellow programme coordinator to oversee and direct the research agenda. This responsibility is undertaken in addition to core research duties, which will continue to account for 50% of the researcher’s allocated time.

Further Information
For additional details about this position, please contact Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm via email at nijssennagger@fryske-akademy.nl or by phone at + 31 (0) 58 213 14 14 (reception).

Application Procedure
Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and CV before 14 April 2025 to Mr Anne Mulder, HR Department, quoting reference “Digi-Hum-2025”.

Interviews will be conducted on 29 April.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.