The Design Impact Transition platform is always looking for inspiring people to join our team. Take a look at the open calls below for more information on what we’re looking for and how you can apply.
Here you can find an overview of the vacancies we have available.
Would you like to support the EUR’s transition to an impact-oriented university? Apply here as soon as possible to work as a Research Assistant at the Design, Impact and Transition (DIT) Platform at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).
We are looking for a motivated research assistant who wants to work with us on transforming Erasmus University Rotterdam into an impact-oriented university. As a research assistant, you will be part of the DIT platform, a strategic EUR initiative that develops new institutional conditions and designs to strengthen impact-oriented academic work, based on collaboration, engagement and academic entrepreneurship. We work on various activities, including creating a community of engaged researchers, developing educational programmes (minors and a master’s programme) and setting up research projects.
Follow the link to find out more about DIT platform.
Radical Imagination in Transition
For one of our research projects, Radical Imagination in Transition, we are looking for a Research Assistant. The project aims to bridge arts and transition practices, exploring the concept of Radical Imagination, defined as the ability to imagine the world, life, and social institutions not as they are but as they could be - in a more just, equitable, and sustainable way.
There are - perhaps less visible, less functional, and sometimes even less intentional- social art and design practices with radical imagination. These practices possess transformative potential, contributing valuable insights to societal transitions. In this research project, we would like to connect these arts practices to transition practices. We aim at fostering mutual learning, identifying windows of opportunities for societal change, and exploring effective ways to leverage them.
Your main tasks
As research assistant, you will be working closely with the research project team. Your main task is conducting a comprehensive literature review to explore the current state of the role of arts in transitions. The result will be an academic paper with an overview of current transition theory, the use of radical imagination and the role/use of arts.
The literature study will include academic literature about transition thinking, transformative theory, social art practice, design thinking, transformative methods, examples of transformative practices and the role of arts in transition. Relevant grey literature may also be included, such as policy documents.
You are the ideal candidate if you:
- Have affinity and/or experience with transitions, design, impact and/or related themes
- Have affinity and/or experience with arts and design practices
- Have affinity and/or experience with conducting a systemic literature study
- Have good communication skills, verbal and written, in Dutch and English
- Are a talented organizer and an effective planner
- Are proactive, collaborative, and can work independently
- Are a student at EUR
- Are available from February 2024 to April 2024 for 2-3 days (16-24 hours) a week
- Experience with academic literature searches, normally SCOPUS, is a plus
This is a part-time role, with flexible hours and remote working options. The hourly salary is in accordance with scale 5.3 of the CAO-NU.
How to apply? Send your CV and a motivation letter to: dit@eur.nl and mention “Radical Imagination in Transition Research Assistant [Your name]” in the subject of the email. The final application deadline is February 1st, 2024.
About the employer
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research, as expressed in our mission ‘Creating positive societal impact’. EUR is home to 3.700 academics and professionals and almost 33.000 students from more than 140 countries. Everything we do, we do under the credo The Erasmian Way – Making Minds Matter. We’re global citizens, connecting, entrepreneurial, open-minded, and socially involved. These Erasmian Values function as our internal compass and create EUR’s distinctive and recognizable profile. From these values, with a broad perspective and with an eye for diversity, different backgrounds and opinions, our employees work closely together to solve societal challenges from the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Thanks to the high quality and positive societal impact of our research and education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. www.eur.nl.
EUR strives to be an inclusive workplace
Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Would you like to organise the first climate and ecology summit at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)?
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is seeking to set new standards for sustainability. That’s why we are organizing an international Climate and Ecology Summit in May 2024. The aim? To announce new sustainability policies for EUR (a result of a series of university-wide Sustainability Dialogues), foster inspiration among colleagues and students for active engagement, and initiate a momentum towards sustainable practices within Dutch academia.
To make the Summit a success, we’re looking for an event planner to organise the Summit. Does this sound exciting? Please read on.
About the EUR Climate and Ecology Action Summit
In response to the climate emergency declared in early 2023, EUR organized 9 school dialogues and 3 cross-school dialogues in autumn and winter 2023, engaging around 500 participants. These discussions aimed at advancing sustainability across EUR, shaping policy proposals for individual schools and the central administration.
Now, the pivotal question is: How do we translate these proposals into actionable initiatives? We believe it requires an innovative, collaborative spirit across departments, schools, and institutions for tangible, transformative change.
This is the goal of the Summit. We'll share proposals with the EUR community, develop pilots, and seek collaboration with other Dutch universities to amplify our impact.
Who’s organising the Summit?
The Design Impact Transition (DIT) platform, a strategic initiative at EUR that seeks to transform the way we do research, education and engagement for just and sustainable futures, has initiated the EUR Summit as part of the EUR Dialogue series. DIT works together with colleagues from various EUR Schools and the student-run Erasmus Sustainability Hub, and is supported by the university Board (CvB) as well as Deans from all schools. Read more about DIT here.
About the role
In organizing the EUR Climate and Ecology Action Summit and furthering the change towards a sustainable EUR, we are seeking support from an experienced event planner.
Your main tasks
- As an event planner, you will work closely with the core team on the following tasks:
- Event planning, design and production within time limits
- Organize facilities and manage all details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material etc.
- Cooperate with marketing and communications to promote and publicize event Propose ideas to improve event quality and make it as sustainable as possible Liaise with speakers and partners to identify their needs and to ensure satisfaction Specify staff requirements and coordinate their activities
- Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the event day
- Conduct pre- and post – event evaluations and report on outcomes
- Other support tasks
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a talented person who is driven to contribute to the transition of EUR to a more sustainable university.
Our ideal candidate:
- Has an HBO or WO level education in the field of event organisation, project management or similar topics.
- Has 1-3 years relevant working experience preferably at in academia, science, government/policy, creative industries, consultancy/business.
- Has experience with organising large-scale events, and knows how to make them sustainable, fun and engaging.
- Enjoys working with multiple stakeholders and can coordinate this well.
- Can work well independently as well as in a team.
- Is a proactive networker, eager to learn, service-oriented and likes to get things done.
- Has strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing in Dutch and English.
We appreciate if the candidate:
- Understands the inner workings of a university.
- Has a strong interest in sustainability issues.
What do we offer?
The DIT platform offers an inspiring and challenging work environment where you can collaborate with like-minded colleagues and contribute to making EUR truly sustainable. We value trust, an entrepreneurial attitude and societal engagement.
The start date of this position is as soon as possible. The position is for 0,6 – 0,8 fte and the salary is dependent on your experience and knowledge and ranges from a minimum of € 2,818 to a maximum of € 3.764 gross per month (full-time employment), in accordance with scale 8 of the CAO-NU. Please note that we are also open to hiring a freelancer.
Additional information
You can find more information about the EUR and DIT platform here.
Do you have any questions about the role?
Please send an email to Marieke de Wal, the coordinator of the EUR Climate and Ecology Action Summit and DIT’s organisational lead via dewal@drift.eur.nl
How to apply
If you are interested, send your CV and a motivation letter to dit@eur.nl as soon as possible. Mention “Event Planner EUR Climate Summit” in the subject line.
We are looking for talented mid-career EUR academics who are not currently receiving enough space, time, or appreciation for the impactful and engaging research they would like to do or are now conducting primarily in their spare time. DIT will help you formulate and execute your transformative academic assignment and support you in the development of your impact career pathway. Read more
DIT platform welcomes applications from academics who are employed at other universities or institutes for a visiting fellowship. During a period of 2 months up to 1 year you will become a part of our team and work with us on projects or activities matching your interests and/or experience.
Who are we looking for?
You are a researcher at PhD or Postdoc level with strong affinity for and/or experience in transdisciplinary and/or transformative academic work, or who focuses on topics related to sustainability, societal transitions or changing academic contexts. We expect you to arrange your own funding and share a draft work plan for your visit: a short description of the topic/theme you would like to work on including how this aligns with DIT’s objectives. You may also indicate whom at DIT you would like to work with.
What do we offer?
During your stay you will be guided by one of the DIT academics and be part of the DIT team. We will provide a desk in our office and arrange physical and digital access to facilities for working at Erasmus University Rotterdam. You will be invited to participate in DIT’s staff meetings, research activities and events and get to know researchers across Erasmus University who are working on similar challenges.
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter to dit@eur.nl. We strive to respond to your application within 5 working days. If you have questions or would like to discuss whether your ambitions fit with DIT platform, you are welcome to reach out to j.m.wittmayer@drift.eur.nl.
We welcome applications for internships from students who are interested in working on transdisciplinary and transformative research and education, as well as topics related to sustainability, societal transitions and changing academic contexts. You don’t have to be familiar with these topics, take a look at our narrative for change to learn more.
Who are we looking for?
You are a university student at master’s level OR you are in your third year or higher at a university of applied sciences and you are available for a minimum of 4 months. You will be asked to write a draft plan for your internship: a short description of the topic/theme you would like to work on including how this aligns with DIT’s objectives.
What do we offer?
During your internship you will receive a standard compensation of €450 a month based on a fulltime work week and have a (flex) desk at the DIT office. You will get the opportunity to take responsibility and work as a member of the DIT team, joining meetings and events next to the project you’re working on. We can accommodate both work experience internships and research internships. One of the DIT staff members will be appointed as your supervisor and help you on your way.
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter to dit@eur.nl and specify what you would like to work on and whether you are looking for a research internship or a work experience internship. We strive to respond to your application within 5 working days. If you have questions or would like to discuss whether your ambitions fit with the DIT platform, you are welcome to reach out to dit@eur.nl.