KWR is looking for a Water Governance Researcher (32-40 hours)

Who we are

Clean and safe water is a major asset. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute, and we contribute to applied scientific research throughout the entire water cycle. Our mission is “Bridging Science and Practice.” Our 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and increasingly in the rest of Europe. The ten Dutch drinking water companies and the Belgian De Watergroep are our shareholders.

Our researchers work at the intersection of science, practical implementation, business, and society. Their strength lies in translating scientific knowledge into applicable practical solutions. To support our research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall, and a test pond, and we build our own pilot plants, which are often used in (on-site) practical research at our clients.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking an experienced social science researcher to contribute substantively and methodologically to our governance research for the water sector.

You will conduct research into the administrative and economic-legal aspects of sustainable development and change processes in the water cycle. Your research will focus on, among other things, economic and societal values ​​and legal preconditions for water (re)use, governance challenges in area processes, strategic planning, and policy developments related to regional water management. This will help you build an applied scientific water governance research line.

You will conduct practice-oriented research in close collaboration with partners in the water cycle. You will independently manage our projects in the Netherlands and Flanders, and you will contribute to the implementation and expansion of our international activities.

Your profile

You will conduct practice-oriented research in close collaboration with partners in the water cycle. You will independently manage our projects in the Netherlands and Flanders, and you will contribute to the implementation and expansion of our international activities.

You are a good team player, customer-focused, and able to plan and organize your own work effectively. You have experience with acquisition and maintaining client relationships.

Furthermore, you have:

  • A completed academic degree in a social science field, such as public administration, environmental law, or (political) economics.
  • Knowledge of and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research techniques and methods.
  • The ability to conduct research from an integrated perspective.
  • Excellent Dutch and academic writing skills.
  • At least 5 years of work experience as a researcher, policy officer, or consultant.

If you don’t meet the full profile but are enthusiastic about this position, we would still like to receive your cover letter and resume.

Our offer for you

We strongly value personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities to achieve this, including excellent onboarding and a variety of courses and skills training. A good work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions and is a member of the Water Companies Collective Labor Agreement, including a Flexible Employment Benefits Budget of 15.49%. Partial remote working is also an option.

The Resilience Management & Governance Team

We strongly value personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities to achieve this, including excellent onboarding and a variety of courses and skills training. A good work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions and is a member of the Water Companies collective labor agreement, including a 15.49% Flexible Employment Benefits Budget. Partial remote working is also an option.

Are you the water governance researcher we’re looking for? Do you want to advance water science and work with us towards a sustainable society? Then email your cover letter and resume to vacancy@kwrwater.nl before January 20, 2026, referencing vacancy number 260025.

More information

For more information about the position, please contact Jos Frijns (Team Leader Resilience Management & Governance) at +31 30 6069 583 or jos.frijns@kwrwater.nl.

For more information about the application process, please contact José van Lieshout (HR Advisor) at +31 30 6069 536 or jose.van.lieshout@kwrwater.nl.

We do not appreciate acquisition in response to this advertisement.

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