Key Skills

Job Description

You will work on a meta-science project testing how open science practices affect research quality and public trust in science. Spanning three universities, the project centers on a many-analysts study on political polarization in the Netherlands. First, we test experimentally whether code-based preregistration improves on traditional text-based formats. Second, we investigate how communicating analytic uncertainty and open science practices affects public understanding of science. Citizens are actively involved throughout, from the research questions to the communication of results. Your job Your Main Tasks Include contributing to the coordination of analysis teams and the collaborative workflow of the project; helping to evaluate the preregistration formats and the reproducibility of submitted analyses; conducting advanced statistical analyses of the many-analysts results and experimental data; setting up and facilitating the involvement of citizens in the design of the analyses and the communication study, for instance through panels or co-creation sessions (e.g., in collaboration with Citizen Science NL); designing and conducting online experiments with a representative panel of the Dutch population, in collaboration with Kieskompas; developing experimental materials for science communication, including text and visualizations, based on results from this and earlier many-analysts projects; formulating evidence-based guidelines for communicating uncertainty to lay audiences (e.g., in collaboration with NEWS); publishing in international peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences; engaging with the public and science journalists through articles, presentations and workshops. You will be part of a small team with Suzanne Hoogeveen (UU), Alexandra Sarafoglou (UvA), Don van Ravenzwaaij (RUG), Erik van Sebille (UU), and Mark Bos (UU) and work alongside experts in political polarization and science communication. Your qualities You enjoy rigorous experimental research and are motivated to improve how science is done and communicated. You have: a PhD in communication science, psychology, political science, meta-science, statistics, data science, or a related field (or you are close to completion); experience in designing and analyzing experiments; a strong background in statistics, with experience applying advanced quantitative methods (e.g., multilevel modeling, meta-analysis, or Bayesian statistics); strong programming skills in R and experience with reproducible data analysis; commitment to open science and reproducible workflows; experience with or motivation to learn about science communication; excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to communicate with both researchers and lay audiences. It is an advantage if you have experience with preregistration, many-analysts studies or other forms of team science; expertise in science communication, uncertainty communication or trust in science; experience with survey panels or large-scale online experiments; experience with citizen science, participatory research or public engagement. a working knowledge of Dutch, since the experiments target the Dutch public. Our offer a job for 12 months, with the possibility to extend to 24 months; a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.706,- and €5.760,- (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), job profile Researcher 4). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week; 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uu.nl%2Fen%2Forganisation%2Fworking-at-utrecht-university%2Fprofessional-development&data=05%7C02%7CD.M.Lagard%40uu.nl%7C4f5d474e5b464b941f1708df13c33466%7Cd72758a0a4464e0fa0aa4bf95a4a10e7%7C0%7C0%7C639251401252270569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BAg%2F47p5A6LLHstq21udIoJtBY4Jebab%2FOvjKBhMXtQ%3D&reserved=0), flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uu.nl%2Fen%2Forganisation%2Fworking-at-utrecht-university%2Fterms-of-employment&data=05%7C02%7CD.M.Lagard%40uu.nl%7C4f5d474e5b464b941f1708df13c33466%7Cd72758a0a4464e0fa0aa4bf95a4a10e7%7C0%7C0%7C639251401252300419%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=10RWyZj6JW18tL35KO%2By8vmU%2Fv54hUvGvOQfiJnNyzw%3D&reserved=0). About Us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en), the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile/strategic-themes). Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow (https://youtu.be/yHkvpRYVPiA). The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-social-and-behavioural-sciences/about-the-faculty) is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-social-and-behavioural-sciences/education/bachelors-programmes) and graduate (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-social-and-behavioural-sciences/about-the-faculty/undergraduate-schools/graduate-school-of-social-and-behavioural-sciences) programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNzUrvcrEOA) near the historical city centre of Utrecht. More information For more information, please contact Suzanne Hoogeveen by [email protected]. Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Apply now At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equity-diversity-inclusion) If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Sjoerd Groenmangebouw (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/campus/buildings), the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/jobs/contact). Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button. Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/international-staff-and-guests/international-service-desk) (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/international-staff-and-guests). Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal. (http://www.euraxess.nl/) The first round of interviews takes place in January 2027. Our preferred start date is February or March 2027.

Core Responsibilities

Coordinate analysis teams and evaluate preregistration formats and the reproducibility of submitted analyses, while conducting advanced statistical analyses of study results and experimental data. Design online experiments and public-facing science communication materials, facilitate citizen involvement, develop evidence-based communication guidelines, and publish and present research findings.

Requirements

Applicants must hold or be close to completing a PhD in communication science, psychology, political science, meta-science, statistics, data science, or a related field, and have experience designing and analyzing experiments. They should have strong statistical and R programming skills, experience with reproducible workflows, a commitment to open science, and excellent English communication skills; Dutch proficiency and experience in related areas are advantageous.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay
• Year-End Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Partially Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Employment Terms
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Flexible Leave Arrangements
• Extra Vacation Days