Ph.D. Student for the Scientific Advisory Board

Based in Amsterdam, Stichting Lezen is dedicated to promoting reading in Dutch and Frisian. Stichting Lezen has grown into the national center of knowledge and expertise for reading promotion and literature education. Reading opens up worlds, expands opportunities, and connects people. We have become the leading national center of knowledge and expertise for reading promotion and literature education. With a team of about thirty passionate colleagues, we collect, develop, and share knowledge about reading aloud, literature education, and effective reading instruction. We initiate and promote enriching programs for all ages: from BoekStart to the Library at School.  

The Role of the Research Team 

The Research Team works on the research agenda of the Reading Foundation—both annually and every four years—and is responsible for identifying existing research and initiating new research. In doing so, the team works closely with the professor affiliated with Stichting Lezen and with other scholars in the field. Stichting Lezen aims to increase the number of researchers—both in the fields of basic and applied research—who are structurally affiliated with Stichting Lezen. To further strengthen our role as a knowledge center, Stichting Lezen is establishing a Scientific Advisory Board. 

The Advisory Board assists Stichting Lezen with: 

• further developing the research agenda and research policy in terms of substance; 
• expanding the scope of the knowledge and expertise center and strategically positioning it.  
• the exchange of insights among scientists and between science and practice; 
• expanding the network of researchers involved in reading promotion. 

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for a PhD student who would like to join the Scientific Advisory Board and who has substantive expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Reading instruction (including NT2) in elementary and secondary schools  
• Literacy Education  
• Vocational education 
• Elementary teacher education and secondary teacher education programs  
• Digital reading and digital innovation 
• The Young Child and the Family (Parental Involvement)  
• Diversity and Inclusion  

What will you be doing? 

As a member of the Scientific Advisory Board: 

• Do you contribute to the research agenda of the Reading Foundation (annual and quadrennial)? 
• provide advice on the Stichting Lezen activity plan; 
• share relevant developments and insights from research; 
• Do you contribute your ideas on current issues raised by the Reading Foundation? 

The advisory board meets twice a year for a half-day session on a Thursday or Friday in Amsterdam. 

Diversity and Inclusion  

The Reading Foundation places great importance on ensuring that the Advisory Board is diverse in terms of research institutions, disciplines, methodologies, and personal backgrounds. The Reading Foundation strongly encourages all PhD students to apply, regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or physical or mental disabilities.

Fees and Procedures 

You will receive a fee of €500 per meeting, including preparation and travel expenses. 

Please send your cover letter and resume by September 8, 2025, to Niels Bakker, Research Team Leader: nbakker@lezen.nl. 

You will be notified by September 15 at the latest whether you have been invited for an interview. The interviews will take place during the week of September 15. The first meeting is on Thursday, October 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Stichting Lezen in Amsterdam.