Program Manager, Future Internet Lab

About Waag

Waag researches, designs, creates, and advocates for a society that is in control of technological and social developments. With a team of more than 60 employees, we empower as many people as possible to contribute to an open, fair, and inclusive future. Over the past 25 years, Waag has contributed to the development and positioning of digital culture, thereby establishing an international reputation.

About Code 

The Code group at Waag Futurelab conducts design research to shape the technotope in which we live. A code has both a technical and a social side. A code is the basis for a digital technical design, but a code also stands for rules or principles that determine how people should behave. Both meanings of “code” play a role in Code’s work: by designing technology, we simultaneously shape people’s choices and behavior and the way they relate to one another and the natural world around them. Technology design offers a starting point for collaborating with people in society to explore how we can make society fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable. We do this through various projects funded by Horizon 2020, NWA, the Stimuleringsfonds, ClickNL, or local and national government agencies.

Future Internet Lab

The mission of this lab is closely linked to the history of Waag Futurelab itself and is articulated by its director, Marleen Stikker, as follows: “The internet is broken, but we can fix it.” Big tech companies hold power over personal data and the digital public sphere, which every individual navigates on a daily basis. The Future Internet Lab questions the ever-expanding power of these big tech companies and seeks alternative ways to structure the internet. We approach the internet as a public space where users are not treated merely as consumers, but as people who must be properly informed so they can fulfill their responsibilities in a democracy. We aim to support citizenship by creating space for civic diplomacy, community building, and engagement, and by countering fake news and polarization. 

Responsibilities

• You will develop a vision for the Future Internet Lab that aligns with Code’s strategy and Waag’s mission
• Together with your team members and the Code program director, you will develop a portfolio of inspiring projects that involve design-based research (including finding partners and securing funding).
• You will provide creative direction for these projects, working alongside a team of creative professionals and in coordination with a project manager who oversees the timeline and budget.
• You evaluate the results achieved and the impact of your projects and use this information to refine the research agenda.
• You share substantive knowledge gained from projects in an accessible way with colleagues, external partners, the media, and the general public.

We are looking for:

• Someone with a strategic vision for the development of technology from a cultural and social perspective.
• A connector who isn't afraid to make choices
• Someone with the substantive knowledge and expertise to help team members achieve strong end results, such as technical designs and/or prototypes, publications, or policy recommendations
• Someone with experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, such as software developers, designers, scientists, civil and cultural organizations, and a diverse audience.
• Someone with a broad and relevant national and international network.

What are we looking for? 

• University-level work and thinking skills;
• At least eight years of experience in a relevant research position;
• Knowledge and experience in various research and design methodologies, such as design thinking, participatory and value-sensitive design, and public research (including co-creation methodologies, citizen science, and living labs);
• Extensive experience in project acquisition and financing, including European project financing;
• Extensive experience in writing reports and articles;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English;
• We strongly prefer a candidate who will enhance diversity at Waag.

What do we offer? 

• Waag has two stunning office locations in the heart of Amsterdam: the historic buildings Het Pintohuis and De Waag on Nieuwmarkt.
• Work in a dynamic team of artists, scientists, and designers who are helping to build an open, fair, and inclusive future.
• Openness, honesty, and inclusivity are the values that guide Waag in its commitment to being a good employer and in selecting the right candidate to enhance Waag’s diversity.
•  Depending on your knowledge and experience, the estimated salary for a 40-hour workweek is €3,974–€5,439 (UFO Scale 11). For highly experienced candidates, Scale 12 is negotiable. 

Deadline: May 28, 2023

For more information about this position, please contact Simone van Der Burg, Head of Programme Code: simone@waag.org.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.