What are the effects of the shift towards governance for the competences of civil servants and more general for the individual, the organization and society?

In this project this will be studied from three angles: 1) the effect of societal context (e.g., the effect of coproduction or digitalisation); 2) the effect of the organization on how civil servants can develop new competences, and 3) the effects of the changing competences for the individual (employee motivation, ability), the organization (service quality) and society (balancing the interests of various stakeholders).

In the first phase of the project the overall research question and conceptual framework will be refined. Preliminary aspects are coproduction, digitalisation, leadership and quality of services. Fine tuning will be done together with representatives of the municipality of Rotterdam. Data will be primarily collected within this municipality – although a comparison with other public organizations is an option.

The PhD Candidate is responsible for elaborating the study design, data collections and data analyses, as well as disseminating insights to non-academic audiences. In collaboration with their supervisors, the PhD Candidate will write scientific papers for international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Following, PhD training in the Graduate School and attending courses on theory and/or methods are part of the position. The project will be completed with a PhD thesis. Preferably this will be based on published scientific papers. During the project, the PhD Candidate will participate in the department’s educational programmes (approximately 0.1 FTE teaching). The PhD Candidate will also get workspace at the municipality of Rotterdam and should at least 1 day per week be present there.

Prof. dr. Bram Steijn will act as promotor and dr. Brenda Vermeeren will act as daily supervisor. Representatives of the munipality of Rotterdam will be part of the supervisory committee that will regularly discuss the project.

-          A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Sociology, HRM, Work Psychology or a related field

-          Excellent writing skills;

-          A strong drive to conduct social-scientific research;

-          Experience with relevant qualitative and quantitative methods;

-          Excellent command of both Dutch and English;

-          Flexibility and dedication;

-          A creative, open personality with excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills;

-          A strong drive to create societal impact through academic research.

-          Ability to work well in a team, as well as work autonomously.

-          The flexibility to interact with a non-scientific committee and the creativity to combine their feedback with the scientific research.

Fixed-term contract: Your initial employment term will be 1,5 years but this will be extended with a second term of 2,5 years, if your performance proves satisfactory.

Internationally-oriented and varied work within an enthusiastic team, with attractive fringe benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Your initial employment term will be 1,5 years but this will be extended with a second term of 2,5 years, if your performance proves satisfactory. Your remuneration will be calculated on the basis of full-time salary ranging between EUR €2.266,- and € 2.897,- gross monthly. Erasmus University Rotterdam offers attractive terms of employment, including a holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end payment of 8.3% and 41 annual leave days in case of a full work week. In addition, EUR takes part in the ABP pension scheme, and we also offer partially paid parental leave. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Moreover, EUR staff members are allowed to make use of the EUR facilities, including the Erasmus sports centre and the University Library. We value diversity and believe that a diversity of talents contributes to our vision and strategy to excel as a university on research and education. This means that we are looking for a person who can complement our team well.

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is home to a vast diversity of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology and sociology. In addition, the Erasmus University College, IHS, and two research institutes RISBO and DRIFT are linked to the faculty. This also reflects in the content of the (international) bachelor's and master's programs and in research.  Our activities are always focused on people and society. At the ESSB fundamental, internationally oriented research is of paramount importance. In addition, social research for professionals, policy makers, and the society is part of our research activities. ESSB offers a stimulating research environment where major national and international research grants are received. Appealing guest researchers and ambitious PhD candidates come along to conduct their research. Our education is small-scale and works with innovative forms of education such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English programs are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 4000 students and more than 400 staff-members. The different disciplines are supported by the Faculty Office (for more information, please visit www.eur.nl/essb).

Department of Public Administration and Sociology

The department benefits from a key position in the European public administration landscape through numerous editorial board positions and participation in several cross-national networks. Leading sociologist in the field of migration, political sociology, inequalities and families are based in the department and participate actively in public debates and international research projects. Cooperation with third parties and conducting research with societal impact are key values of the department. The bachelor and master programmes reflect our diverse expertise and educate students to become active professionals.