Chair of the Research Ethics Review Board

What are you going to do?  

You will serve as the chair of a joint Research Ethics Review Board (ETO) for both institutions, which reviews the ethical aspects of research proposals submitted by staff members when necessary. This applies to research proposals;  

• by lecturers and staff members developed and submitted under the supervision of a lecturer (student research falls outside the scope of the ETO);
• for which an assessment is required (as indicated by the results of an internal checklist assessed against the Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity, or when a publisher or funding agency requires an ethical statement);
• for which the ETO has jurisdiction (for medical-ethical review, please refer to an external ethics review committee with the appropriate authority). 

As chair, you will lead the meetings of the Research Ethics Review Board and provide guidance throughout the process of evaluating research proposals. In doing so, you will focus on ethical considerations such as the impact on human and non-human participants, the use of personal data, and potential sensitivities within artistic, educational, healthcare, or cultural practices. You provide researchers with constructive feedback on the ethical aspects of their research, for example regarding the protection of participants’ interests and ensuring they are properly informed about participation. In addition, you ensure transparent and careful decision-making. 

In this way, you contribute to ethically responsible research practices within both institutions and foster a culture of critical reflection, care, and responsibility, grounded in the values of the Dutch Code of Conduct for Scientific Integrity as well as the artistic freedom that is essential to art education and research. 

You will be supported by an administrative secretary from the Research Centre. This person makes an initial assessment of the required level of review (using a flowchart), checks whether all documentation is complete, helps assemble an appropriate committee with sufficient discipline-specific expertise, and assists in drafting a statement of approval or a reasoned deferral with recommendations for improving the research proposal. 

It is expected that the ETO will review approximately 5 to 10 research proposals per year, about half of which will be processed in writing (without a committee meeting or a hearing with the applicant(s)). This is expected to require 1 to 1.5 working days per month. 

What are you bringing? 

Knowledge of and experience in (practice-oriented) research in higher (arts) education in one or more of the following areas: research in and through the arts, design-based research, arts education, and heritage; as well as knowledge of or an affinity for the research methods used in these fields (including, for example, social science methods in addition to artistic methods). 

• A PhD (or demonstrable research experience at the same level) and at least 5 years of experience as a senior researcher (lecturer, associate lecturer, professor, or senior lecturer). 
• Demonstrable leadership skills in the areas of research and ethics.
• An affinity for practice-oriented research and practice-based research in and through the arts, heritage, and arts education.
• An interest in ethical issues related to human and non-human participants, vulnerable participants, personally identifiable information, and potential sensitivities surrounding artistic, educational, or cultural practices.
• A proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative attitude, combined with a sense of ownership and an open approach to teamwork. 

This is us 

The AHK is an arts university that trains students at the associate degree, bachelor’s, and master’s levels for careers in the fields of art, culture, and heritage, and conducts research in 7 research chairs. These are largely housed within the six academies that together form the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK): Breitner Academy, Academy of Architecture, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Netherlands Film Academy, Reinwardt Academy, and Academy of Theatre and Dance. The Research Centre is part of the AHK Service Bureau and supports and develops research at the AHK. 

For the Research Ethics Review Board, we collaborate with the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. This is a small, independent college of fine arts and design. The academy has three research chairs, housed within Rietveld Sandberg Research (RSR). 

Here's what we offer 

We offer you an inspiring work environment and the opportunity to help shape a new, important role that supports the development of research at the Amsterdam University of the Arts and the Gerrit Rietveld Academy.  
Initially, we will enter into a one-year partnership, which may be extended after one year. You will receive appropriate compensation for the hours worked.  
A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required for this position. 

Interested?  

Is this role a good fit for you? If so, we look forward to receiving your resume and cover letter. Please send your application to vacature-sb@ahk.nl, for the attention of Stella Blom. The submission deadline is January 9, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Stella Blom, Head of the Research Centre, at stella.blom@ahk.nl. 

The AHK is deeply rooted in society and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome employees from diverse backgrounds and strive to create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels safe and respected.   

_ We do not accept unsolicited applications in response to this job posting.