Postdoc in Meta-science

Are you fascinated by how science can become more transparent, reliable, and impactful? Do you want to contribute to improving research practices at the institutional level? Are you interested in understanding how policies shape researchers’ behavior—and how they can be redesigned to better support Open Science? If so, we invite applications for a postdoctoral position in a collaborative meta-science project on the effectiveness of data and code sharing policies in research-performing organizations.

Open Science is an umbrella term encompassing, among other elements, the sharing of research data and code to facilitate verification and further development of research. It is widely endorsed by universities, funders, and policy makers, yet its implementation in daily research practice remains uneven. While many institutions have adopted policies encouraging or requiring researchers to share their data and code, the actual uptake of these practices varies considerably across organizations, disciplines, and research communities. This raises important questions: Which policy features promote meaningful behavioral change? Why do some institutional policies remain largely symbolic, while others lead to measurable improvements in transparency? And how can institutions design policies that are both effective and sensitive to researchers’ needs and constraints?

You will be part of a project that addresses these questions by combining policy analysis, behavioral research, and stakeholder co-creation. You will map existing institutional policies, examine researchers’ attitudes and actual data and code sharing practices, and identify which policy characteristics are associated with greater adoption. Building on these insights, you will collaborate with researchers, data stewards, and policy makers to develop improved, evidence-based policy frameworks that institutions can implement.

You will join an interdisciplinary team of meta-scientists and Open Science researchers and will play a central role in all stages of the project—from conceptual development and data collection to analysis, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research with direct policy relevance and to shape the future of Open Science practices at the institutional level.

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in meta-science, science of science, science and technology studies (STS), psychology, sociology, research methodology/statistics, philosophy of science, information science, or a related discipline.
• Methodological expertise in at least one—and preferably several—of the following: policy analysis, survey research, quantitative analysis, scientometrics, stakeholder co-creation.
• Advanced proficiency in R and python for statistical and corpus analysis
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.
  
  

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Krist Vaesen, Associate Professor, [email protected] or +31 40 247 4987.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services. 

Reference number: 2026/247