Postdoc “Citizen Science” (V25.0121)

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of public engagement with science and more specifically citizen science.

Citizen Science refers to a spectrum of collaborative scientific research conducted by both academic and non-academic participants. It encompasses diverse initiatives across research domains and stages of the scientific process, from setting research agendas, to data collection and (co-)analyzing data. Citizen Science promotes societal impact by sharing data and information, fostering public engagement, and democratizing science. It also offers participants benefits such as learning, social interaction, and influencing policy.

As a postdoctoral researcher in citizen science, you will

• Develop and manage citizen science projects related to science and engineering.
• Prepare and submit grant applications for citizen science initiatives.
• Conduct research within the field of citizen science, contributing to high-quality publications.
• Contribute to the supervision of MSc and PhD students engaged in citizen science research.
• Collaborate with and support internal and external stakeholders involved in citizen science activities.

This position offers opportunities for career development, including hands-on experience in project management, securing research funding, and cultivating partnerships with a diverse network of stakeholders. In this role, you will be able to innovate and contribute to both the theory and practice of citizen science, leveraging emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methods to address pressing real-world challenges.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in various disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University. We offer first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines, from classical disciplines such as biology, mathematics, astronomy, and mechanical engineering, to interdisciplinary fields such as artificial intelligence, pharmacy, life sciences, and nanoscience.

The position we offer will be embedded in the Citizen Science team within the Institute for Science Education and Communication (ISEC - https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/sse/clt/research/) which aims to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at the university level through research. ISEC is part of the Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT - https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/sse/clt/?lang=en) and works closely with the Science Shops (https://www.rug.nl/society-business/science-shops/), Science LinX (https://www.rug.nl/sciencelinx/?lang=en), the research group for Integrated Research on Energy, Environment, and Society (IREES), the university’s four schools for science & society (https://www.rug.nl/society-business/schools-for-science-society/

You will also work closely with the “CurioUs?” (https://www.rug.nl/sciencelinx/samenwerkingsprojecten/curious) citizen science programme of Science LinX, Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health, and Forum Library. Through citizen science activities and the “Meet-o-Theek”, our library for measurement equipment, CurioUs aims to engage citizens of the northern provinces in research relevant to their local environment, as well as enable citizens to answer questions they might have themselves.

• A PhD in natural sciences (or social sciences with a demonstrated affinity for natural sciences), with relevant experience in public engagement and/or citizen science.
• A strong track record of research demonstrated by high-quality publications.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, bridging natural and social sciences.
• Strong skills in designing and implementing citizen science methodologies, including participatory and co-creation approaches.
• Passion for, and experience in, project development and funding acquisition.
• Willingness and ability to contribute to teaching and supervision activities.
• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, and community groups.
• Proven excellent communication and management skills.
• A good command of Dutch and English (oral and written).

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary based on qualifications and experience (after obtaining PhD) starting at € 4,060 gross per month (salary scale 10, step 4), based on full-time employment.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, participation in a pension scheme for employees, and excellent secondary benefits. We offer 232 holiday hours per calendar year for full-time employment.
• An appointment temporarily for 12 months (0.6-0.8 FTE); subject to a positive evaluation, the contract can be extended with 12 months (or more, depending on available funds).

For more detailed information about working conditions and working for the University of Groningen, please check: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, your application should include:

• A motivation letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key qualities relevant for this position [max 1 page].
• A brief, up-to-date curriculum vitae that focuses on aspects that are directly relevant to the position.
• Contact information of two academic references. Please do not submit letters of reference. If necessary, we will contact the referees ourselves.

You may apply for this position until 23 March 11:59pm / before 24 March 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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