Researcher
The Boekman Foundation is the national knowledge center for art, culture, and policy. Through data, trends, and analyses, we contribute to a broad knowledge base for current and future cultural policy. We conduct research on the cultural and creative sectors and actively share knowledge through the Culture Monitor, our Knowledge Base, and the magazine Boekman , and public events. Together with our partners, we work toward an inclusive and diverse cultural sector.
As a researcher at the Boekman Foundation, your focus will be on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on the cultural and creative sectors. You will conduct both quantitative and qualitative research, switching between different methodologies as needed. The core of your work will be to identify trends, highlight developments, and support cultural policy with data and analysis.
What will you be doing?
National Culture Monitor
Your primary responsibility will be to contribute to the national Culture Monitor, the tool we use to compile data on developments in cultural life in the Netherlands. You will collect data from a variety of sources, explore and develop new data sources, and provide insights into the policies implemented for each domain or theme in the Culture Monitor. Each researcher is responsible for one or more domains and themes. Examples of tasks include:
• Identifying new data sources for domain pages, both at the national and regional levels;
• Developing and conducting surveys, including designing questionnaires and analyzing data, for example as part of the Leisure Survey in collaboration with Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Mulier Institute;
• Collecting and analyzing data from industry association reports, relevant studies, or policy developments within your field or area of focus;
• Attending conferences, seminars, and partner programs, and actively engaging with the field;
• Writing analyses on topics such as sustainability, the labor market, or digital transformation.
Commissioned research
In addition, you will conduct commissioned research, addressing specific questions from policymakers and cultural organizations. Last year, we worked on issues such as: What is the impact of sustainability initiatives in the cultural sector, and how does this compare internationally? How do literary translators in the Netherlands and Flanders perceive their work, and how do educational programs, translation technology, and publishing houses influence their profession? What is the position of female visual artists relative to their male colleagues? (research results via this link). How does culture in different regions contribute to social cohesion, and what role do local investments, cultural institutions, and the public play in strengthening this contribution? ( research results for the Province of North Brabant, research results for the Province of Zeeland).
In all your work, you will combine working independently with close collaboration within our team and with external partners.
Who are you?
We are looking for a colleague who:
• Strong in data analysis, policy analysis, and combining quantitative and qualitative research methods (experience with mixed methods is a plus);
• Has experience with data collection, data tools (such as SPSS, R, or Python), and data visualization;
• Has knowledge of the cultural and creative sector, including its administrative relationships, regulations, and interests;
• Has an affinity for one or more areas and themes covered in the Culture Monitor;
• Is able to work independently, plan and prioritize projects, but also enjoys working as part of a team;
• Has a way with words and can clearly explain complex data to a broad audience;
• Is meticulous, curious, and solution-oriented.
We take a critical look at the knowledge structures within which we operate and strive for diversity of perspectives and versatility in our research, publications, and activities. We are constantly working to create a socially safe and inclusive work environment to ensure that our employees feel at home. Different perspectives, backgrounds, and visions enrich our organization, and we are eager to learn about your talents.
What do we offer?
A challenging role in which you’ll play a key part in raising awareness of and strengthening the cultural and creative sector. You’ll work in an inspiring environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to build a broad network.
And also:
• A one-year contract with the possibility of permanent employment;
• A gross salary ranging from €3,622 to a maximum of €4,993 per month, in accordance with Scale 9 of the collective bargaining agreement for research institutions, based on a full-time position of 38 hours per week, including 8% vacation pay and an 8.33% year-end bonus.
• A solid pension plan through ABP, under which your employer pays two-thirds of the premium and you pay one-third.
• Training opportunities in both personal development and job-specific skills (e.g., various research methods and techniques).
• Thirty days of vacation for full-time employees and a savings plan for additional vacation days.
• A flexible policy for holidays and commemorative days, so you can take time off on days that are important to you.
• The opportunity to work from home about half the time, the equipment you need to do so (including a laptop, monitor, desk, and chair), and a phone and internet allowance for hybrid work.
• If your commute is 10 kilometers or more, you will receive an NS Business Card.
• Enthusiastic coworkers and a fun outing a few times a year.
Interested? Apply now!
The application deadline is February 2. Click this link to access a form with application questions and a place to upload your resume. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
We look forward to hearing from you! For more information, please contact research coordinator Maartje Goedhart (m.goedhart@boekman.nl).
