The alliance of Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and Utrecht University Medical Center challenges new generations of researchers and students to work together across disciplines. In this way, the partners aim to jointly facilitate scientific breakthroughs, for example in the fields of molecular life sciences and artificial intelligence, and to contribute to challenges in the societal themes of preventive health and circular society.

The alliance is looking for a knowledge and learning officer in the Centre for Unusual Collaborations.

Do you wish to contribute to shaking up the academic system by fostering thinking and research that is out of the box, interdisciplinary and that is based on collaboration rather than competition? The Centre for Unusual Collaborations (CUCo) aims to create a space that will support an interdisciplinary group of diverse young researchers to come together in unusual collaborations to address the most pressing challenges of the age. CUCo was initiated by the Young Academies of Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Centre Utrecht, as part of the alliance between these institutes. Come join us and help building CUCo, to increase the fun and creativity that is so vital to academic research.

At CUCo we take learning, in its many facets, from and about collaborative dynamics seriously. We wish to systematize and operationalize learning in novel ways, so that we optimally harvest knowledge and ideas from the projects that we fund, as well as likeminded initiatives elsewhere. This new knowledge should then feed back into the design of our funding schemes as well as in the training and support we provide to young academics across the alliance and beyond.

The responsibilities of the Learning Officer include:

• Coordination of procedures to systematize and operationalize learning about the process of collaboration/ collaborative dynamics;
• Gathering knowledge from external sources to set up experiments
• Facilitate learning-by-doing in, between and from CUCo-funded projects
• Documentation of knowledge and translation into accessible tools, methods, formats
• Designing feedback loops for new ideas and knowledge into training and support mechanisms

• Coordination of communication efforts showcasing research results and lessons learned
• Coordinating grant writing to acquire funding for involving academic staff in studying CUCo's approaches and processes
• Supporting other alliance working groups in their efforts on unusual interdisciplinary research and education, such as funding efforts, events and support towards researchers

Function requirements:

Thinking level related to completing a MSc or MA

• You have a university master's degree, a completed PhD is a plus.
• You have knowledge and  demonstrable interest in:
• harvesting knowledge and learning cycles about research collaborations and approaches
• the stimulation of collaboration through research funding. Knowledge about and experience with interdisciplinary research is a plus.
• developing and implementing policy in a higher education environment.

• You have an open mind, the willingness to learn, a humble attitude and the ability to listen
• You are a team player.
• You function well in a complex organization and you take into account different interests.
• You are proactive, independent and result-oriented..
• You can express yourself excellently orally and in writing and English. Being able to express yourself in Dutch is a plus

• A dynamic position in a dedicated and driven team, that holds the CUCo values high, with emphasis on fun and creativity;
• Working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• We strongly value personal growth, there are excellent opportunities for development of skills and competencies;
• There is a focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• A fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• Excellent pension scheme.