For the further development of the research group and the connection between research and education, we are looking for an associate professor with expertise and practical experience in the field of design and design research. We are specifically looking to strengthen the expertise of our group in the field of civic design and are looking for a colleague who can bring insights and methods from disciplines such as civic design, digital civics, participatory design, and value-sensitive design into our projects. The candidate also initiates new projects at the intersection of civic design and interaction design. To this end, the candidate has knowledge of and demonstrable experience in making digital and/or interactive prototypes.

The associate lector works closely with the professor (lector) and the project developer of the research group to shape the development of the research group, together with researchers and educators, and to translate its themes into concrete projects in the field of both research and education. This ranges from developing project applications to acquire external funding, to active knowledge sharing in the curriculum. In addition, the associate professor has final responsibility for one or more projects within the professorship.

Internal role in the research group:

• Together with the professor, steers the direction of the research group;
• Plays a role in the development of the policy on research quality and policy with regard to impact of the research group;
• Plays a role in the internal organization of the research group, eg by co-organizing strategy days and seminars;
• Replaces the lector and/or represents the research group in Faculty and AUAS-wide forums such as the faculty research meetings.

Connecting education and research:

• Involves key people from education in early phases of research proposals;
• Plays an active role in curriculum development in education, for example around the Master Digital Design, Communication and Multimedia Design, (inter)faculty-wide minors, and contributes to student participation in research;
• Contributes to the development of policy aimed at cooperation between education & research.

Development and supervision of projects:

• Independently develops and coordinates new interdisciplinary multi-year project proposals and consortia, and also involves education in this;
• Acquires external funding for these research projects;
• Is responsible for one or more research projects in the research group;
• Is the functional manager of a number of researchers in the professorship;
• Supervises (internal) PhD students as a daily supervisor;
• Ensures high-quality output, both scientific and aimed at professional audiences.

External Role:

• Maintains external contacts with potential partners;
• Represents the research group / AUAS at national and international network meetings, academic conferences, and professional events;
• Contributes to the agenda-setting of national and European research policy development.

We are looking for an experienced researcher with a PhD who has also practical experience in the field of interaction design and/or design research in social contexts. Specifically, we are looking for someone with a background in the emerging field of civic design, and/or a background in participatory design and value-based design. The candidate is well attuned to broader academic and professional discussions about the role of technology in a democratic society.

The ideal candidate has broad experience with academic publishing and processing research results into output that is useful for professional practices. He/she/they is/are a valued colleague (inter)nationally. The candidate has experience in successfully acquiring funding, and has contributed to curricula development, and translating research insights into output that is relevant to education. The candidate also has, or is prepared to obtain, a basic qualification in didactic competence.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• Ideally, the position consists of an appointment within the research group (eg 0.4-0.8 FTE) supplemented with tasks within education (eg 0.2/0.4 FTE).
• HAY-function profile AUAS Hogeschool Hoofddocent 1 or 2 (CAO HBO – scale 13 or 14). Gross salary will range between € 5.401,- and  € 7.227,48 per month, based on a full-time appointment, and is dependent on experience.
• In first instance, this is an appointment for four years.

The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences also has an extensive package of benefits, including a lot of attention to vitality (free sports, etc.), a generous holiday scheme and a 13th month. In addition, the AUAS (through the AUAS Academy) offers excellent study and development opportunities and encourages employees to continue to professionalize.

The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) aims to be an organisation in which everyone feels welcome, appreciated and at home. As an employer, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we can perform as a knowledge institution of and for our stakeholders. Inclusion, tolerance, respect, and acceptance are critical to our success, and these are values that are reflected in the way we treat our employees and students.

Civic Interaction Design research group

The Civic Interaction Design research group at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences investigates the social implications of new technologies. From a design perspective, we explore future visions for a democratic network society and, together with companies, governments, designers, cultural institutions, and students, we investigate how the design of interactive experiences, digital platforms, and online services, among other things, can contribute to public life.

The research group explores these themes using design-based methods and approaches. Researchers start from the traditions of (third wave) Human Computer Interaction (HCI), and approach it from a humanistic and value-based perspective. The research group also finds inspiration in recent discussions and developments in the fields of Participatory Design, Digital Civics, Urban Interaction Design, Value Sensitive Design, and Speculative Design.

In recent years, the research group has developed a large number of research projects in this thematic area, together with municipalities, design and architecture firms, and civil society organisations. Partners include the Municipality of Amsterdam, Space & Matter, Metabolic, Dark Matter Labs, Stipo, Dutch Blockchain Coalition, Commons Network, Het Nieuwe Instituut, Waag, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, UN Studio, The Beach, Arcam, IJsfontein, Submarine Channel, VR Days Europe, IABR, AMS, TU Delft, and Utrecht University.

Our current research addresses, among other things, the 'contestable design' of smart city algorithms in public space, the design of interactive city models as 'conversation pieces' for public debate on the future of the city, the design of digital platforms for commons-based resource communities and the design of interactive public spaces based on public values. The research group currently consists of approximately 10 lecturer-researchers, a project manager/developer, and a research coordinator.

The research group Civic Interaction Design is part of the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. The University is home to seven faculties and nearly 50.000 students divided over 92 BA, MA and AD programs. The faculty DMCI is based in the heart of Amsterdam and is closely connected with the Creative Industries in the region, amongst others through its Center of Expertise Creative Innovation CoECI. The research group collaborates closely with a variety of educational programs, such as the MA Digital Design and the BA programs in Communication and Multimedia Design, ICT, and Communication.

See www.civicixd.com for more information about the research group Civic Interaction Design and www.amsterdamuas.com for the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.