"Onderzoeksassistent College '53 (ZZP)"

Stichting De Verre Bergen is seeking a research assistant (ZZP) for a temporary assignment with broad societal impact.

The Assignment: Involves leading and guiding young researchers, and coordinating fieldwork and data collection within the research on the effectiveness of the College '53 program in Pendrecht, a neighborhood in Rotterdam.

About College '53: A program by Stichting de Verre Bergen, forming an educational youth center. Teens can access free professional homework assistance, study spaces, and workshops. It provides a positive network, aids in developing executive skills like planning and organizing, and collaborates with neighborhood partners to create a space for youth to meet and develop personal and social skills.

Research Objective: To determine the significance of College '53 in Pendrecht. The research is qualitative and uses a participatory approach, involving youth (from age 16) as co-researchers. They are trained in interview techniques, conduct interviews with peers and staff, and contribute to the design and final product.

The Research Consists of Two Sub-Studies:

• Sub-Study 1: Examines the experiences and needs of youth participating in College '53 and the team of staff, aiming to identify effective elements and opportunities for improvement.
• Sub-Study 2: Focuses on youth not participating in College '53, to understand how the program can better align with the broader youth population in Pendrecht.

Your Responsibilities:

• Participate in and observe various activities at College '53.
• Support the ethical review committee at Erasmus University.
• Coordinate fieldwork and data collection, including organizing group meetings, planning interviews, guiding young researchers, conducting interviews, supporting data analysis, and assisting with the delivery and presentation of results.
• Communicate with partners and the project team.

Period and Location: From November 2025 to June 2026, averaging 24 hours per week from November 2025 to March 2026 (except Christmas holiday), and 16 hours per week from April to June 2026. Hours are flexible, primarily after school (14:00–19:00) during data collection (January to March 2026). Work mainly at College '53 in Pendrecht, Rotterdam, with occasional office or home work.

Requirements:

• WO-level work and thinking.
• Strong in communication, planning, and accuracy.
• Affinity with youth work and urban issues.
• Preferably educated in psychology, pedagogy, sociology, or anthropology; other fields considered.
• Experience with qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups) is a plus.
• Experience with participatory research and/or guiding youth is a plus.

Hourly Rate: €75 - €90 per hour (excluding 21% VAT), including all incidental costs like travel.

Application Procedure: Deadline is 12 October 2025. Apply via the application button on the website. Interviews on 15, 16, or 17 October 2025.

About the Employer: Stichting De Verre Bergen invests in innovative social organizations and programs, focusing on education, debt assistance, and vulnerable groups, with an emphasis on impact.

Contact: Suzanne Fikrat, senior researcher, email: sfikrat@sdvb.com; Evelien Groenen, senior researcher, email: egroenen@sdvb.com.