Researcher in Movement Education (0.8–1.0 FTE)

Are you a passionate, curious, and eager-to-learn researcher with expertise in physical activity among children and adolescents? And are you interested in topics such as physical activity in and around school, outdoor play, motor development in (young) children, and promoting physical activity?

Then you might be the perfect fit for the open position at the Mulier Institute for:

Researcher in Movement Education (0.8–1.0 FTE)

What will you be doing?

You will be part of the Leren Bewegen team, which conducts research from various perspectives on topics such as physical education, promoting physical activity in childcare settings and neighborhoods, outdoor play, children’s motor development, and active learning in schools. This is a diverse field with a wide range of topics and projects of varying sizes and complexity. We also use a variety of research techniques, ranging from literature reviews and data collection via questionnaires and focus group discussions to experiments in schools and participatory projects in schools and the community.

As a researcher, you will serve as the project leader for various small and medium-sized projects within the “Learning to Move” theme: you will determine research methods, oversee project implementation, be responsible for reporting, and maintain contact with the client. You will supervise and coach junior researchers and interns in conducting data collection. Together with the project team, you will ensure the successful completion of the projects in terms of content, planning, and budget.

You will also play a key role in developing the substantive themes related to your area of expertise and maintain contact with your network regarding these topics. In doing so, you will establish connections with other themes within the organization and closely monitor developments.

In addition to project management, your main responsibilities will include:

• writing and securing project proposals;
• analyze collected data and provide guidance to others in this process (qualitative and quantitative);
• writing research reports and providing guidance to others in this process;
• communicate and disseminate research findings to the client and other relevant stakeholders in policy and practice (such as policy staff, parents, and teachers in the field) through reports, fact sheets, and workshops;
• present research findings to clients, in the media, in (professional) journals, at seminars, and at (international) conferences.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an ambitious researcher with the following background:

• a completed master’s degree in Health Sciences, Human Movement Sciences, Health and Society, or Education—a Ph.D. in one of these fields is preferred;
• at least five years of experience in developing and independently carrying out various research projects (evaluation studies, literature reviews, monitoring, etc.);
• demonstrable experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, evidenced by completed projects and publications;
• an affinity for scientific and practice-oriented research;
• preferably demonstrable experience in writing scientific articles;
• demonstrable experience in business development and project management.

You also possess the following qualities:

• You are decisive and take the initiative.
• You have a strong sense of responsibility.
• You have excellent organizational skills.
• You have strong interpersonal skills, are a team player, and are motivating.
• You have a polished writing style and strong communication and presentation skills.
• You're a natural networker and make new connections easily.

What do we offer?

We offer a workplace within an open and dynamic organization. You can work partly from home and partly from our beautiful, recently renovated office with a view of the field at Galgenwaard Stadium. Outside of work, we regularly organize fun activities for all employees. Of course, we make sure you have everything you need to do your job well: you’ll be provided with a laptop and a cell phone on loan. In addition, there are various opportunities for personal development, such as taking courses and training programs.

The Mulier Institute operates on a 37.5-hour workweek and has its own employment conditions, including full reimbursement of travel expenses, a work-from-home policy, and a time-for-time and leave savings scheme. We follow the salary scales set forth in the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. The position of Researcher in Learning to Move is classified in scale 10 (max. €4,670) through 12 (max. €6,181), depending on your professional background and experience. Initially, you will receive a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension.

Who are we?

The Mulier Institute conducts sports research for policymakers and society. Our clients are primarily civil society organizations, government agencies, and sports organizations. Our institute employs approximately 70 colleagues who are passionate about sports, physical activity, and health. The institute is located at the Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht. The working language within our organization is Dutch. For more information, visit mulierinstituut.nl.

At the Mulier Institute, we strive to create an inclusive work environment. This position is open to any applicant who meets the qualifications for the Learning to Move Researcher role, but we particularly welcome candidates whose background and experience can contribute to diversity within our organization, including those from target groups covered by the Participation Act.

Interested?

Are you interested in this position? If so, please upload your resume and cover letter (addressed to Amika Singh) via the application form on our website by February 26, 2023. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Amika Singh.