Research Assistant Making a Difference for the Climate

Here's how you can make a difference:

You’ll help answer the question: “Are people willing and able to change their behavior for the sake of the climate? Why or why not, and how can we encourage this?” How? Through behavioral science research. You’ll work in a small, enthusiastic team on issues related to climate-friendly behavior in major cities, such as sustainable living, travel, food, and consumption.

You will translate current and pressing real-world questions into research projects for the “Psychology for a Sustainable City” research group. In doing so, you will carry out all phases of practice-oriented research (including literature reviews, interviews, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and reporting) in collaboration with fellow researchers and industry partners.

You will also help organize meetings with practitioners, contribute to the development of engaging products for professionals and policymakers, andtranslate research insights into accessible reports for practitioners and educational tools for the classroom. In addition, you will maintain a network (both in person and online) within the fields of practice, education, and academia. The more diverse your network, the better.

What else you get

• A gross monthly salary ranging from €3,370 to €4,582 (scale 9 of the higher professional education collective bargaining agreement).
• An end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and vacation pay equal to 8% of your gross annual salary.
• 428 vacation hours per year based on a 40-hour workweek.
• Entitlement to various types of leave, such as paid and unpaid parental leave, caregiving leave, adoption and foster care leave, and provisions for older employees.
• Depending on your situation, you can choose from one of the following options: a mileage allowance for your commute, an NS Business Card, an AUAS-provided bicycle, or a tax benefit when purchasing another bicycle. If you are unable to commute by private or public transportation—for example, due to a disability—we will work with you to explore your options.
• Plenty of opportunities for professional development, including through our own AUAS Academy and online training courses from Good Habitz.
• Discounts on items such as books, cultural courses, software and hardware, and certain types of insurance.
• We place a strong emphasis on job satisfaction, work-life balance, and well-being. For example, you can participate in our sports activities—designed specifically for AUAS employees—or through the USC sports center at a discounted rate. You can also take advantage of our (career) coaches and online tools designed to support your mental health.
• A good pension plan with ABP.
• A laptop and a phone. You’ll also receive a monthly internet allowance of €50.
• Last but not least: a workplace in a dynamic environment where you’ll work alongside colleagues in a pleasant atmosphere—colleagues you can also connect with outside of work, for example through our communities such as HvAPride, HvA Alumni, HvA United, JongHvA, and FEM IT

View all our employment terms and customized options here.

Here's how you enrich our lives

No two employees at the AUAS are alike. So whoever you are, you’ll always be a valuable addition to our team. You have the potential and ambition to further develop your skills in practice-oriented research, whether within or outside our university.

You should also bring:

• Experience in conducting and reporting on practice-oriented scientific research focused on social issues, and can provide publications that demonstrate this expertise.
• You have experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research, and you possess strong analytical skills and broad, conceptual knowledge in the field of social psychology and behavioral change.
• Excellent intercultural communication skills and the ability to easily and proactively build connections and navigate relationships among a wide range of people and roles.
• Strong communication skills and excellent organizational abilities. You are able to work hands-on, independently, proactively, and flexibly.
• A master's degree in the social sciences is a major plus.
• Our team is committed to diversity and expressly welcomes applications from people of all cultures.

Become our new Sustainable Behavior Researcher

• Upload your cover letter and resume using the application button. And keep an eye on your inbox: you’ll receive a personalized response within two to three weeks.
• Would you like to find out if this position is a good fit for you? Please contact Dr. Reint Jan Renes by email at r.j.renes@hva.nl
• For more information about the application process, please email vacatures@hva.nl.

Creating Tomorrow at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

The Faculty of Society and Law at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences is at the heart of society. Through challenging education and practice-oriented research in the fields of human behavior and law, the faculty contributes to the continuous innovation of professional practice. 7,500 students are enrolled in associate, bachelor’s, or master’s programs.

As an expert in social psychology and sustainable behavior, the research group supports government agencies and social partners in creating livable, climate-neutral cities.

The research group is one of ten research groups within the Knowledge Center for Society and Law (KMR), the knowledge center of the Faculty of Society and Law, and focuses its educational activities on the Bachelor’s program in Applied Psychology and the Master’s program in Climate Psychology and Behavior.

More information about the research groups and the Faculty of Society and Law can be found here: http://www.hva.nl/kmr

For more information about the research group, visit https://www.hva.nl/kmr/gedeelde-content/lectoraten/lectoraat-psychologie-voor-een-duurzame-stad/lectoraat-psychologie-voor-een-duurzame-stad.html