Research Specialist

Stichting Lezen is the leading national center of knowledge and expertise for reading promotion and literary education. We work to strengthen the culture of reading in the Netherlands. We do this by encouraging scientific research and collecting relevant research data. Using this information, we develop solutions that promote reading at home, in education, in youth health care, in child care, in the library sector, and in the book industry. Stichting Lezen is closely involved in the field to quickly identify issues. Stichting Lezen also coordinates and monitors the national reading promotion programs BoekStart and the Library at School.

What will you be doing?

The research specialist contributes to knowledge and policy development. You do this by initiating, supervising, coordinating, and conducting (scientific) research. The research specialist disseminates knowledge in various ways, such as through websites, brochures, and presentations at conferences.

You will be part of the research team and report to the research team leader. As a research specialist, you will work closely with other departments, such as the specialist team, the communications team, and the internal team.

The tasks are:

• You identify relevant internal and external developments in the field of research.
• You will propose new research projects and follow-up studies.
• You will oversee and coordinate various research projects, such as literature reviews, impact studies, market research, and qualitative research.
• You will develop research plans and action plans.
• You read and interpret research publications in the national and international literature.
• You will develop research tools such as questionnaires.
• You will be closely involved in the evaluation and monitoring of programs such as BoekStart and the Library at School, as well as campaigns such as the National Read-Aloud Contest.
• You use research findings to advance knowledge and inform policy-making.
• You translate scientific insights and publications into accessible and practical information for professionals, such as news articles, the Reading Monitor, infographics, and practical brochures.
• You facilitate knowledge transfer through presentations at conferences and expert meetings.
• You will maintain contact with scientists, research agencies, and staff members from national partners in the fields of science, education, and culture.

What do you bring to the table?

As a research specialist, you can be a true team player who cares about every colleague. You have a sense of humor, can keep things in perspective, and understand the importance of job satisfaction.

Teamwork is a top priority within our organization, so it’s important that you’re able to collaborate effectively. You have a good sense of what’s going on within the organization and are able to respond proactively to these developments. You bring a strong ability to learn to the table.

In addition:

• Do you have a college degree and the ability to work and think at a college level?
• Do you have a relevant and suitable academic background (such as pedagogy, educational sciences, Dutch language and literature, or literary studies)?
• Do you have experience, an affinity for, and knowledge and expertise in (scientific) research and reading promotion? An understanding of empirical research—both quantitative and qualitative—is a plus.
• You should have extensive work experience in a similar role.
• Do you have knowledge of developments in the scientific and social fields related to Stichting Lezen, or are you willing to acquire this knowledge?
• Do you have strong social, communication, and writing skills?
• You have an excellent command of spoken and written Dutch and English.
• Do you have a knack for writing clear and coherent texts?

What do we offer you?

In addition to a collegial, welcoming, and inspiring work environment centered around the values of reliability, diligence, constructiveness, friendliness, and commitment, we offer you:

• A gross monthly salary of between €4,000 and €4,500, based on a 36-hour workweek.
• Attractive employee benefits, such as a flexible spending account equivalent to 16.5% of your salary.

How do I apply?

Does this sound like the right position for you? Please send your resume and cover letter to info@lezen.nl with the subject line “Research Specialist Job Opening.” If you have any questions, please contact Niels Bakker, Research Team Leader at Stichting Lezen, at 020-6230566 or nbakker@lezen.nl.

The application deadline is December 16, 2024. You will receive a response during the week of January 6. Interviews will be held in January.

The Reading Foundation operates in accordance with the principles of the Diversity & Inclusion Code. We warmly invite everyone to apply, regardless of cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental challenges.