Postdoc Position in Social Sciences

VU University of Amsterdam

Your function

Are you enthusiastic about Open Science? Are you curious about the roles that Open Science communities play in promoting the transition to an Open Science research culture? Then this postdoc position in the project “From exception to norm: Evaluating the contribution of Open Science communities to the transition to an Open Science research culture” is for you!

Using qualitative methods, you will investigate the ways in which Open Science communities support the adoption of Open Science principles and practices with the ultimate aim of developing an evidence-based model that synthesizes the roles of Open Science communities in the culture shift towards Open Science.

Your tasks

• Secure ethical approval for the study
• Design research instruments and conduct participant observation in meetings of Open Science communities
• Design research instruments and conduct interviews and focus groups with Open Science community members and with researchers
• Organise data sessions
• Analyse data using ethnomethodological conversation analysis
• Write-up findings for publication
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings to academic and non-academic audiences
• Prepare data for archiving and reuse

Your profile

Required

• A PhD in social sciences (e.g., sociology, anthropology, communication) or a closely related domain
• Knowledge of and experience with ethnographic research methods
• Knowledge of and experience with conversation analysis and/or ethnomethodology or willingness to develop these skills
• Experience with communicating scientific findings to academic and non-academic audiences

Desirable

• Knowledge of and experience with Open Science principles and practices
• Knowledge of the field of science and technology studies (STS)

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

You will join a supportive and stimulating team, working directly with dr Bogdana Huma and dr Lotte van Burgsteden, who will offer professional guidance and mentorship. The project also provides excellent opportunities for professional development through participation in national and international research events (conferences, workshops, symposia).

At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (scale 10.0) and maximum € 4.412,00 (scale 10.5) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.6 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 6 months. Upon proven suitability and continuation in the same position, there is the possibility of an extension for up to a maximum of 18 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

About us

Project

The project “From exception to norm: Evaluating the contribution of Open Science communities to the transition to an Open Science research culture” is funded by Open Science NL through the “Research on Open Science” fund. This is the first project to investigate whether and how Open Science communities help to embed Open Science into research culture and practice in the Netherlands by comparatively examining how Open Science is constructed in discourses of Open Science community leaders, members, and non-members. Based on empirical findings, the project will illuminate the roles of Open Science communities in the transition to an Open Science research culture as well as formulate recommendations for policy and guidelines directed at Open Science communities.

Language and Communication Research Group

You will join the Language and Communication research group, a vibrant team of Dutch and international researchers with a wide range of methodological and thematic expertise including conversation analysis, science communication, healthcare communication, and science and technology studies. The group fosters a friendly and inclusive atmosphere that values diversity and collaboration. We are committed to a supportive work environment that empowers researchers at every career level.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

A better understanding of ourselves and social communities, values and meaning, through social sciences and humanities. That is the aim of The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. No single discipline can do this alone. The SSH disciplines are characterised by an open way of thinking and the natural urge to seek coherence and connection.

The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc) and School of Humanities (SH).

Are you interested in joining Social Sciences and Humanities? You become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the success of this project? In that case, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Please submit:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), outlining your specific interest in the topic, relevance of qualifications, experience, and motivations to apply for this position;
• A CV (including at least your education, research experience, qualifications, list of publications, and conference presentations)

We aim at sending out invitations for interviews at the beginning of June. Interviews will take place around mid-June.

If you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact Bogdana Huma (bogdana.huma@vu.nl).

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.