Having an impact on societal challenges and policy: that’s what it means to do research for the Dutch Government (Rijksoverheid).

You can contribute in various disciplines, like (not limited to):

  • meteorology and seismology at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)
  • epidemiology and biology at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • social & behavioral sciences at the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP)
  • criminology at the National Police
  • traffic engineering and social geography at the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis (KiM)
  • economics & data science at Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

Tasks of a senior researcher:

  • Initiating, coordinating and leading innovative research projects
  • Developing a research vision and programme
  • Initiate and maintain external collaborations
  • Publishing and presenting research outcomes
  • Managing a team/research group
  • Interact with the media on instant news-items

You will find most governmental jobs on werkenbijdeoverheid.nl and werkenvoornederland.nl.

Competencies

  • Extensive relevant experience in your field
  • Political and managing sensitivity
  • Independency
  • Networking & collaboration skills
  • Persuasiveness
  • Leadership skills
  • Creativity
  • Communication skills
  • Dutch language skills

Most of the institutions operate in Dutch. Although English is the second common language in the Netherlands, in the governmental sector Dutch language skills are almost always necessary. Writing Dutch policy papers and presenting research publications can be part of your job.

Salary indication

Scale 13-15 (senior wetenschappelijk medewerker, CAO Rijk)