We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. This position is part of TechConnect, an exciting Horizon Europe-funded research initiative aimed at deepening the understanding of how advanced digital technologies impact human skills by focusing on Human-Tech Skill Complementarity.

Your job
Through desk research, cross-sectoral industry surveys, and in-depth case studies in healthcare, TechConnect explores how human skills and technology interact in real-world contexts. The project develops a systemic framework to address the gap between intended and actual technology use, offering practical guidelines for technology procurement, development, and training. By providing tools to enhance human-tech integration, TechConnect aims to boost productivity and quality employment across industries, promoting a more inclusive workforce where technology supports human potential and equitable skill development.

As a postdoc in the TechConnect project, you will work within a multidisciplinary team of experts and play a key role in delivering innovative research with significant societal impact. In particular, you will be actively involved in the following tasks:

1. Developing a Conceptual Framework: Contribute to the development of a novel framework for Human-Tech Skill Complementarity by conducting an in-depth analysis of interdisciplinary literature, cross-sectoral surveys, and consultations with expert stakeholders, leading to the production of industry landscape reports.
2. Creating a Human-Tech Skill Complementarity Index: Lead in the creation of an index that assesses the interaction between human and technological skills to enhance productivity and job quality. This will involve carrying out observational case studies within the healthcare sector (hospitals), conducting interviews, and mapping organisational systems.
3. Strengthening Human-Tech Skill Complementarity: Contribute to building a predictive model to identify critical factors that drive Human-Tech Skill Complementarity, through interventional case studies, interviews, and collaborative workshops.
4. Driving Industry and Organisational Impact: Support efforts to improve how technologies are designed, developed, and integrated across industries, with the aim of increasing productivity, work quality, and resilience. This includes defining business cases and developing guidelines for multiple sectors and occupational groups.

• You have completed a PhD in Innovation Studies, Digital Innovation, Science and Technology Studies, Human-Technology Interaction, Management Studies, Social Sciences, or other relevant disciplines related to innovation;
• You have affinity with key areas central to the project, such as human-tech skill complementarity, digital technology integration, and organisational transformation. Experience in the healthcare sector, particularly in hospital settings, is desirable.
• You have strong qualitative research skills, with a proven track record of academic publications.
• You have experience in collaborative research environments and working with international partners is desirable.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in Dutch is considered a plus.
• You are able to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

We offer:

• a postdoc position until 30 September 2027;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,345 and €5,278 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions for sustainable development, focusing on environmental, economic, and social challenges to drive the transition towards a more sustainable future. Within the institute, the Innovation Studies Section is a dynamic and international multidisciplinary research and teaching group that strives to understand and communicate the dynamics of emerging technologies and innovations that are relevant for addressing urgent societal issues.

For more information, please contact Dr Laura Piscicelli at l.piscicelli@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.