The RPA Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public seeks two current UvA assistant professors

Do you have strong research and organisational skills, and would you like to take up a prominent role in the Research Priority Area Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public? Do you have an affinity with and interest in science in society, methodologies, citizen science and shaping interfaces between science and society? Then read on and apply for this versatile vacancy!

Join us!
This vacancy is open to current employees of the University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC candidates.

Do you have strong research and organisational skills, and would you like to take up a prominent role in the Research Priority Area Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public? Do you have an affinity with and interest in science in society, methodologies, citizen science and shaping interfaces between science and society? Then read on and apply for this versatile vacancy!

The UvA Research Priority Area (RPA) Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public is looking for two enthusiastic Assistant Professors (UDs) to be part of the core team and, together with the PIs, help to shape the RPA’s research content. Your work for the RPA will be combined with your current duties in consultation with your UvA department/institute.

This is what you will be doing

• Setting up Seed Grant calls, overseeing their progress in the work packages, and guiding Seed Grant recipients, in collaboration with the Directorate and Community Manager;
• (Co-)organising and participating in research activities and public events, and coordinating the content of the activities, together with the Community Manager;
• Actively contributing to building a network of relevant partners and acting as a point of contact for stakeholders' research questions, in consultation with the Directorate and in cooperation with the Community Manager;
• Conducting your own research on topics related to these work packages, presenting at conferences, and disseminating the results of your own research and other research projects to the relevant stakeholders;
• Actively contributing to the development of teaching programmes based on this RPA and identifying opportunities to improve teaching programmes connected to this RPA.

About the RPA ‘Shaping Interfaces’
The RPA Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public aims to strengthen the interaction between science, citizen science, social debate and various professional practices. The RPA is a collaboration between the faculties of Humanities, Law, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and the faculty of Medicine at Amsterdam UMC. The challenges of the future require scientifically informed policies and equipped citizens. But how do we align science, policy and society? How do we involve the public in scientific debates about complex issues such as quantum, mental health, climate change, and the responsible use of new technologies, such as generative AI? How do we collaborate with the public in scientific research to generate new knowledge or understanding? And how do we communicate the different scientific methods, including their possible shortcomings, to the public? Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public brings together UvA methodologists and philosophers of science and technology from fields as diverse as psychiatry and mental health, human rights, and the digital humanities.

For more information see: https://shapinginterfaces.uva.nl

Your participation in the RPA is a chance to help strengthen the relationship between science and society while developing a wide network of academic and societal partners (government, societal and cultural organisations, industry). The RPA further offers a strong springboard for future grant applications, including collaborations in large-scale consortia.

This is what we ask of you

 

• assistant-professor with a permanent contract at UvA , with relevant research experience in topics covered by the RPA and its cross-cutting themes (such as interfaces, public understanding, methodology, human rights, measurement questions), and willingness to work in at least two of the RPA’s work packages.– but more cross-over themes are possible);
• available for one day per week (the main meeting day is Monday);
• active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;
• mastery of working languages of the RPA (English and Dutch) for stimulating collaboration with societal partners in the Netherland and beyond;
• an international academic network in the relevant research field;
• experienced in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research;
• good team player and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• excellent organisational experience and skills.

This is what we offer you

 

 

• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• a position from which you can build bridges between academia and society;
• a collaborative environment, which can stimulate your research and be a springboard for future grant applications;
• a position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team.

The position is in principle 0,2 fte for four years. Both UD1 and UD2 candidates with a permanent contract at UvA are invited to apply. If possible, this position will be arranged through a temporary increase in contract hours. In case of a full-time contract, it will be discussed whether the position can be performed within the contract scope.

This is where you'll be working
About the RPA ‘Shaping Interfaces’
The research priority area Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public at the University of Amsterdam aims to strengthen the interaction between science, citizen science, social debate and various professional practices. The RPA is a collaboration between the faculties of Humanities, Law, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and the faculty of Medicine at Amsterdam UMC. Members of the RPA meet at UVA’s Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) every Monday afternoon.

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF file.

The vacancy closes on 12-03-2026. The first round of interviews will take place on 27-03-2026, between 09.00h and 14.00h.

For questions about the vacancy, you can contact us during office hours at:

 

 

• Shapinginterfaces@uva.nl
• Community Manager Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public

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