Senior Researcher, Sports Facilities

What will you be doing?

Sports facilities make sports possible. They are inextricably linked to sports and physical activity, sports organizations, and municipal policy. There are many spatial, policy, social, and financial issues surrounding sports facilities. For example, regarding demand and population growth, livability and population decline, social value, and operation and financing. Together with your colleagues, you will work to address these important questions. You are a subject matter expert and you translate the answers into well-founded policy. In this way, you contribute to a future-proof sports sector.

As a senior researcher in sports facilities:

• You conduct reliable, high-quality research: you collect, analyze, and interpret data and conduct literature reviews;
• present and publish your research;
• secure contracts;
• manage your colleagues;
• you bridge the gap between science and practice;
• You’ll have the freedom to develop and carry out research projects together with your colleagues.

What are we looking for?

• You have completed a relevant academic degree (at least a master’s degree). A Ph.D. is preferred.
• You have extensive experience in conducting research and can demonstrate this through completed projects and publications.
• You have demonstrable strong methodological skills and adhere to high quality standards.
• You have a constructive and critical approach to data and to your own work as well as that of others.
• You have experience mentoring and coaching junior and mid-level researchers and leading teams.
• You have proven extensive experience in project management.
• You are up to date on social and professional developments. And you have insight and vision regarding strategic issues in sports policy.
• You have extensive experience in the field of sports facilities. An interest in sports and physical activity in public spaces is a plus.
• You have a relevant network in the field of sports and physical activity, spanning policy, science, and practice.
• You are analytical, principled, results-oriented, and proactive.
• You are customer-focused and have strong business acumen.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• You can look beyond day-to-day operations and develop your own ideas for the future.

What do we offer?

We offer a rewarding position in an open and dynamic organization with a pleasant work environment. You can work partly from home and partly from our beautiful office overlooking the Galgenwaard stadium. We regularly organize fun, informal activities for all employees.

Of course, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to do your job well: you’ll be provided with a laptop and a cell phone. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for personal development, such as taking courses and training programs.

The Mulier Institute offers a 37.5-hour workweek and a benefits package that includes full reimbursement of travel expenses, a work-from-home policy, and a time-for-time and leave savings scheme. We follow the salary scales of the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. The position of Senior Researcher in Sports Facilities is classified in scale 12-13 (€5,705 – €7,904). You will receive a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal.

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, visitmulierinstituut.nl.

At the Mulier Institute, we believe it is important for everyone to feel at home. We strive to create a work culture that is as inclusive as possible, with a focus on equality and on preventing and combating exclusion. We value diversity within the organization—including people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with different religious and philosophical beliefs, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations—and are committed to fostering it.

We believe that a diverse organization provides us with the broadest possible perspective on research questions related to sports and physical activity. That is why we expressly invite applications from candidates who can contribute to this effort from the perspective of ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities; from their lived experience with chronic illness or disability; or from the LGBTQ+ community.

Interested?

Are you interested in this position? Please upload your resume and cover letter (addressed to Paul Hover, Head of the Accommodations, Events, Finance, and Public Spaces Cluster) via the application form on our website. If you have any questions about the position, please contactPaul Hover. The position will remain open until it is filled.