Postdoctoral researcher Data Governance & Digital Transformation

24 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Research Field

Computer science » Database management
Economics » Management studies
Computer science » Other
Economics » Other
Sociology » Socio-economic research

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

17 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The Faculty Social Sciences & Solvay Business School, Department Communicatiewetenschappen, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher. 

 

More concretely your work package contains: 

 

The Data, Government & Communities unit at SMIT aims to understand the opportunities and challenges presented by increased data use in the urban environment. Their research examines how data can improve public services and address issues like climate change while ensuring ethical use, privacy protection, and stakeholder trust through inclusive governance.

To further strengthen its central role in socio-economic research on digital transformation in Flanders and Belgium, we are looking for a senior researcher on data governance and digital transformation.

First, you will be involved in different research projects focusing on (public sector) digital transformation and (data) governance. Specifically, you will lead the team at SMIT in SOLIDLab , a large-scale Flemish research project on Social Linked Data and personal data stores, as well as contribute to SMIT efforts in European projects on data governance in smart cities and communities.

Second, you will perform both fundamental and applied research on the societal impact of increasing digitalization and digital transformation processes. You will advance the state-of-the-art, while also translating scientific findings to a non-academic audience.

Third, you will assist in shaping project acquisitions in line with SMIT’s research agenda with an emphasis on data governance and digital transformation aspects.

More concretely you will :

• Develop your own research agenda on (personal) data governance and digital transformation;
• Conduct original research and publish (journals and international conferences) in the field of digital transformation governance;
• Steer and mentor a group of junior researchers;
• Participate in the (research) management and coordination of the Data, Government & Communities (DGC) Unit;
• Co-develop a new research line that fits with the multi-disciplinary, society-centered research agenda of SMIT;
• Assist in project acquisition in line with SMIT’s research agenda;
• Communicate and disseminate research findings to academic and non-academic stakeholders.

 

 

For this function, our Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as your home base. 

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

 

• You have a PhD in a relevant field.

 

 

• Affinity with projects and research in the field of digital transformation and governance (demonstrable experience initiating, managing and executing research projects is a plus);
• Ability and willingness to steer and conduct novel research in a multidisciplinary team (experience setting up, coordinating and managing interdisciplinary research projects is a plus);
• Demonstrable skills in applying empirical qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods;
• Experience in translating research findings into strategic policy recommendations and/or tools for practice;
• Profound knowledge of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is a plus)

 

 

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

 

You’ll be offered a contract, for an assignment of 1 FTE, for 24 months (extendable, on condition of the positive evaluation of the research activities), with planned starting date 15/04/2024. 

 

You’ll receive a salary linked to one of the scales set by the government.

 

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.

 

As well as this, you will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike; 
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in  all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques; 
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps; 
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?

 

Then apply, at the latest on 17/03/2024 , via jobs.vub.be , and upload the following documents:

• your CV;
• your motivation letter;
• your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).

 

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Karl-Filip Coenegrachts at [email protected]  or on +32 2 614 85 40.

 

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB? Go to jobs.vub.be , and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.

 

Would you like more information about EUTOPIA? Go to eutopia-university.eu , and read more about the role of the VUB in the development of the EUTOPIA alliance.

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Economics

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Computer science

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Economics

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Sociology

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Country

Belgium

City

Brussels

Postal Code

1050

Street

Boulevard de la Plaine 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/vrije-universiteit-brussel/2024/postdoctoral-r…

Contact

City

Brussels

Website

http://www.vub.ac.be/

Postal Code

1050

STATUS: EXPIRED