Postdoc Horizon Europe project ‘Cultuurcampus’ (0,75 - 1,0 FTE)

We are looking for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher to conduct impact-driven and participatory research in Rotterdam South. The research tasks will be part of the Horizon Europe New European Bauhaus  project ‘The Cultuurcampus”. The position will also involve liaising with project partners and stakeholders in Rotterdam for the co-design and delivery of innovative education and placemaking activities. Additionally, the researcher will contribute to progress reports to the European Union.

A PhD in Sociology, Geography, Urban Studies, or other Social Sciences is required, with demonstrated skills in advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. The candidate is expected to possess strong organizational capabilities and an affinity for working with diverse stakeholders, also within the arts and culture sector.

Project description

The Cultuurcampus New European Bauhaus project pilots a vision for a sustainable, inclusive and aesthetically-driven hub in Rotterdam South, as a catalyst for territorial transition. It is a consortium led by Erasmus University Rotterdam and involving the following partners: the municipality of Rotterdam, Cordarts Rotterdam, Willem de Kooning Academy, TU Delft, the Afrikanderwijk Coöperatie, the Buzinezzclub, as well as the networks ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) and ELIA (Network of Higher Arts Education Institutions). The pilot is funded by Horizon Europe, under the New European Bauhaus Lighthouse Demonstrator call. The Cultuurcampus is one of five pilots in the EU to be awarded this funding. The lessons learnt through this pilot will shape the implementation of larger scale campus in Rotterdam South in the coming years.

Postdoc duties

• Collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data for the project;
• Supporting the planning and implementation of a needs assessment plan and tool for monitoring and evaluating of needs, priorities and opportunities in Rotterdam South;
• Co-designing and conducting participatory research with local stakeholders in Rotterdam South, relating to sustainability transitions in the area;
• Liaising with project management, its partners and stakeholders for the delivery of innovative research, education, and placemaking activities;
• Contributing to the project’s digital presence;
• Contributing to EU progress reporting;
• Publishing and presenting research results in journals, international conferences, as well as practitioner-oriented outlets.

Possibility for teaching tasks:

• Preparing and teaching classes within the context of the various degree programmes in the field of Arts and Culture Studies provided by the ESHCC;
• Monitoring the literature and integrating new insights into the courses;
• Supervising students for BA or MA theses.

• A PhD in Sociology, Geography, Urban Studies, or other Social Sciences;
• Ability to perform independent research, particularly with innovative and advanced qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis;
• Proven affinity with impact assessments and participatory research;
• Proven affinity with impact-oriented research and education; 
• Strong organisational experience and skills;
• Proficiency in spoken and written Dutch and English (C2-standards of the Common European Framework (CEF));
• Didactic potential. Teaching experience is desired.

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The position is for 0,75 FTE. The salary is dependent on your experience and knowledge and ranges from a minimum of € 3.974 to a maximum of € 5.439 gross per month on a full-time basis, in accordance with scale 11 of the CAO-NU. In addition, we offer an 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year payment of 8.3%, and a very generous paid leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision, and we offer partially paid parental leave, fully paid extended birth leave for partners, a personal career budget, work-life balance coaches, discounted collective health insurance, and more. Combined with personal and professional development, as well as active career support, we help you become and remain fit for the future. As an employee, you can also use EUR facilities such as the University library and receive a discount on subscriptions for the Erasmus sports center.

Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a Dual Career Programme (DCP) to assist the life partners of new academic staff (on payroll) in finding employment in The Netherlands. The programme is offered in close cooperation with the nearby universities of Delft and Leiden.

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research, as expressed in our mission ‘Creating positive societal impact’. EUR is home to 3.700 academics and professionals and almost 33.000 students from more than 140 countries. Everything we do, we do under the credo The Erasmian Way – Making Minds Matter. We’re global citizens, connecting, entrepreneurial, open-minded, and socially involved. These Erasmian Values function as our internal compass and create EUR’s distinctive and recognizable profile. From these values, with a broad perspective and with an eye for diversity, different backgrounds and opinions, our employees work closely together to solve societal challenges from the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Thanks to the high quality and positive societal impact of our research and education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. www.eur.nl.

The Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The school has three departments: History,  Arts and Culture and Media & Communication. There are approximately 2500 students and 220 employees.

ESHCC offers high quality education, based on scientific research, at the intersection of the Humanities and Social Sciences. We teach our ambitious, Dutch and international students in a stimulating learning environment. After graduation, they will have acquired the knowledge, insight and skills to make an important and inspiring contribution to an increasingly international society in which diversity plays a major role.

The ESHCC also has an ambitious research agenda. We want to strengthen our involvement in multidisciplinary research, expand the share of external funding in our total research funding and increase our social impact. Research takes place within the framework of two research centres:  ERMeCC and History@Erasmus.

Your cover letter should contain a concise statement of motivation of no more than 750 words in which you explain how you envisage your contribution as a Postdoctoral Researcher to the Cultuurcampus project.  The application letter can be in Dutch or English.

Additionally, some indication of the courses currently part of the bachelor’s and master’s programs within the department of Arts and Culture Studies that you would be interested in participating with should be noted in your cover letter. The selection committee will invite a small number of candidates for an interview. Candidates may be asked to submit a more detailed research proposal and/or give a short presentation as part of the application procedure.

To apply, please send your cover letter with your resume, your publication list, and the names and contact details of two referees, before 10 June 2023 via AcademicTransfer. Please mention “Postdoc Cultuurcampus” in your application. You should receive a confirmation mail within five workdays. Initial interviews are intended to begin in mid June.