Experienced researcher Citizen Perspectives in Water Transition (32-40 hours)

KWR is looking for a colleague to bring social science research experience to the transition to a more water-conscious society.

 

About the position

What are people’s needs, expectations and potential contributions for the sustainable water supply of the future? Within our team, you will conduct research on citizen perspectives and behavior of drinking water customers.

You will work on multiple multidisciplinary research projects on the topics of risk perception regarding water quality, encouraging water-saving choices, and acceptance of alternative sources of drinking water.

As an experienced researcher, you will be a content leader and have a coordinating role in this area in the collective research for the drinking water companies.

You will also contribute to our team’s research on participatory processes and the role of citizens in the spatial design of the water system.

 

The research takes place in close cooperation with drinking water companies, water boards, provinces and municipalities. With this, you support water organizations to interpret the increasingly complex role of citizens and translate this knowledge into their practice.

You will independently implement our projects in the Netherlands and Flanders, and participate in our international activities. In addition, you are able to acquire assignments.

 

Your profile

We are looking for an experienced social science researcher to expand our research in the area of citizen perspectives in water transition. You have great analytical insight with substantive and methodological knowledge, and you know how to communicate this knowledge clearly to others.

 

Furthermore, you have:

  • A completed academic education in a social science discipline, for example in sociology, public administration, social psychology, or environmental sciences, and preferably a PhD;
  • Knowledge of and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research techniques and methods;
  • Experience in setting up and directing research projects and programs;
  • Ability to conduct research from an integrative perspective;
  • Excellent Dutch and academic writing skills;
  • Approximately 5-10 years of work experience as a researcher, policy officer or consultant.

 

If you do not meet the full profile but are enthusiastic about this position? Then we also look forward to receiving your motivation and resume.

 

Our offer for you

We are strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities for this, such as a good onboarding and various courses and skills training. A good work/life balance is paramount to us. KWR has excellent primary and secondary benefits and is a member of the collective labor agreement for water companies (Flexible Working Conditions Budget of 22,11%). Working partly from home is also an option.

 

In addition, you can perform your practical work in a sustainably constructed glass building that is designed for collaboration and knowledge sharing between colleagues, teams and business contacts. With this position and our profile, KWR offers an exceptional working environment.

 

The team

The Resilience Management & Governance team works on knowledge and methods for Public Design to realize the social value of water in sustainability transitions. We research governance processes in the social environment, study customer perspectives and behaviors, and develop futures and transition strategies for the water sector.

Our team consists of 12 researchers with diverse backgrounds and experience. We work together toward our goals in an open, collegial and constructive atmosphere.

 

About KWR

Safe and clean drinking water is a great asset. KWR is an internationally-renowned research institute in the area of water quality, the water cycle and sustainable development. ‘Bridging science to practice’ is our mission. In our almost fully-sustainable building, with its state-of-the-art laboratories, our approximately 200 staff members work, within the framework of two research groups, on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, elsewhere in Europe and beyond. Our shareholders are the ten Dutch drinking water utilities and the Belgian De Watergroep.

 

Our researchers work at the intersection of science, business and society. Their strength lies in the translation of scientific knowledge into applicable practical solutions for end users in the Dutch and international water sector. To support the research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall and pilot plants are being built in-house. In addition, company-specific software is developed for use within projects.

 

Do you want to advance water science and work with us to build a sustainable society?

Then send your cover letter and CV by email to before April 15, 2024, quoting the job number 240018.

 

More information

For more substantive information about this position, please contact Jos Frijns (team leader) by phone 030 6069 583 or by email .

 

For information about the application process, please contact Eduard Post (Human Resources consultant) by phone 030 6069 633 or by email .

 

 

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

 

 

 

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