Junior Researcher ‘Experience Centre and Digital Collaboration Platform for Citizens'
De Haagse Hogeschool
The Hague, Netherlands
Posted on Thursday, February 1, 2024
“Do you want to make an impact with sustainable and inclusive smart cities while developing and sharing new knowledge through practice-oriented research?
Then this position is for you!”
Working at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) has it all!
The position
Department: Research Group Future Urban Systems and Research Group Civic Technology
Location: Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, The Hague
Minimum education level: Bachelor of Science
Working hours per week: 40 (1.0 FTE)
Salary range: minimum gross salary of € 3.370,00 to maximum of € 4.582,91 per month.
The challenge
As a junior researcher you will initially be involved in several innovative projects. Together with ICT specialists and researchers, you will develop and implement software and data solutions for an Experience Centre at THUAS main campus in The Hague. The new Experience Centre is a dynamic and interactive space that will serve as a hub for researchers, lecturers, students, and professionals to learn, develop, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience with digital tools such as 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM), immersive technologies (VR and AR), and sensor data for climate-neutral and smart city of The Hague and Paris-Proof campus renovation.
Simultaneously you will work on the development of an AI-driven digital platform for citizen participation in neighbourhood dialogues. Your activities will include applying technologies for generative AI (large language models) in our platform to support dialogues between citizens and government officials.
You will also get a unique opportunity to extend your knowledge and network through active involvement in a Horizon Europe research project on digital data acquisition and material passports for circular building renovation and urban transformation. In this project, you will collaborate with researchers, professionals and public authorities from various EU member states.
What does working as a junior researcher at THUAS entail?
You work closely with the manager of the Experience Centre and you support the professors from two research groups, namely: Research Group Future Urban Systems (chaired by Professor Rizal Sebastian) and Research Group Civic Technology (chaired by Professor Jos van Leeuwen). You collaborate with researchers, lecturers and student assistants at these research groups. Your workplace is in the Experience Centre a.k.a. Innovation Playground, which is strategically located at the centre atrium of THUAS main campus.
You employ and extend your technical expertise to develop, operate and maintain digital solutions for smart cities with the focus on sustainability and citizen participation. You develop interoperability solutions between 3D information models, sensor data, AI algorithms, analytical software, and visualisation software and multimedia / immersive technology devices. You co-create and implement use cases in the Experience Centre and on the Digital Platform together with different research and education groups, the Lighthouse event organiser, and facility management department at THUAS, as well as ICT companies and representatives from the municipality and local community.
You mentor students and organize interactive sessions where innovative solutions are demonstrated, tested, monitored, and scaled up in case studies and living labs. You contribute to the publication of research findings in professional and scientific journals, presentations at symposia, and guest lectures in the fields of ICT, multimedia design, data science, and the built environment.
You are involved in Dutch and European research projects and provide input for the development of the research strategy of the research groups. You become a member of Centre of Expertise Mission Zero where the synergies are created between the Research Groups Future Urban Systems, Energy in Transition, Circular Business, and Designing Value Networks to support The Hague Climate Agreement. Through your role in the Research Group Civic Technology, you contribute to strengthening the collaboration with the Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transition communities.
What we ask from you
First and foremost, it is important that you share the goals of THUAS research agenda for sustainability, digital future, and just society, and our core values of diversity and equality. For this junior researcher position, the following qualifications are required:
When you are invited for interviews, we would like to learn more about:
This is what makes you excited to come to work
As a junior researcher, we want you to be successful and enjoy your time at THUAS. Therefore, we offer you the following:
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)?
When you work at THUAS, you become part of one of the most dynamic and open organisations in the city of Peace and Justice. Together with 2,500 colleagues, you assist 26,000 students from over 120 different countries in preparing for a promising future in a world that changes every day. We achieve this by growing and evolving ourselves, aligning with the world's changes, and adapting to the desires of our students. We collaborate closely with colleagues, students, and the professional field. We look ahead, we are critical, and we are deeply rooted in society.
Diversity, inclusivity, and equality are central to everything we do. We aim for the composition of the student and staff population to reflect the society in which we operate, and we strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone. We acknowledge that this requires ongoing attention. We invest in this ourselves and welcome your assistance in this journey.
> Read more about our story and our core principles: Our story
> THUAS as an inclusive campus: www.thuas.com
Research Group Future Urban Systems
Cities play a crucial role in sustainability transitions. In the EU, more than 75% the population lives in cities. Globally, cities are responsible for more than 70% of global energy and resource consumptions as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The research group Future Urban Systems is dedicated to developing and implementing practical innovations for liveable, inclusive, and climate-neutral smart cities. It conducts applied research where researchers, educators, and students together with citizens, businesses, and local governments make direct impacts in urban living labs.
The research agenda of Future Urban Systems consists of 4 main themes, namely: digitalisation for sustainable built environment; community-driven energy transition in neighbourhoods; climate neutrality and resilience of buildings and districts; and circular building renovation, cultural heritage preservation, and urban regeneration. The research group, chaired by Professor Dr. Rizal Sebastian, encompasses multidisciplinary expertise, age diversity, and gender equality. It is part of the Centre of Expertise Mission Zero at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands.
Visit our website for more information: https://www.thuas.com/research/research-groups/future-urban-systems
Research Group Civic Technology
In a functional society, individual thinking and acting must relate to public values in a community. Technology can play a catalysing and mediating role here, e.g., with new means for community-building and for collaboration of citizens and governments in mutual participation. Important aspects are equality, inclusivity, deliberation, dialogue, and democracy, but also creativity, openness, and transparency.
The research group Civic Technology, chaired by Professor Jos van Leeuwen, develops knowledge on designing and applying interactive technology that contributes to areas such as democracy, citizen participation, community-building, and urban life. The research domain includes Smart City but focuses on Smart Citizen solutions that empower people in their role of citizen.
The research challenge for this group is, departing from a knowledge base in technology and application domains, to generate knowledge on designing interactive applications and user experiences that aim for an optimally constructive effect in society and for individual citizens. Our method is research through design – we create and evaluate innovations by exploring design spaces, studying their effectiveness, and optimising solutions. The group is part of the Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions at The Hague University of Aplied Sciences. Visit https://civictechnology.nl for more info.
Apply for the role of Junior Researcher at THUAS
You can apply through the application button; applications sent to these email addresses will not be considered.
We do not appreciate job acquisition services based on this vacancy.
Then this position is for you!”
Working at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) has it all!
The position
Department: Research Group Future Urban Systems and Research Group Civic Technology
Location: Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, The Hague
Minimum education level: Bachelor of Science
Working hours per week: 40 (1.0 FTE)
Salary range: minimum gross salary of € 3.370,00 to maximum of € 4.582,91 per month.
The challenge
As a junior researcher you will initially be involved in several innovative projects. Together with ICT specialists and researchers, you will develop and implement software and data solutions for an Experience Centre at THUAS main campus in The Hague. The new Experience Centre is a dynamic and interactive space that will serve as a hub for researchers, lecturers, students, and professionals to learn, develop, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience with digital tools such as 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM), immersive technologies (VR and AR), and sensor data for climate-neutral and smart city of The Hague and Paris-Proof campus renovation.
Simultaneously you will work on the development of an AI-driven digital platform for citizen participation in neighbourhood dialogues. Your activities will include applying technologies for generative AI (large language models) in our platform to support dialogues between citizens and government officials.
You will also get a unique opportunity to extend your knowledge and network through active involvement in a Horizon Europe research project on digital data acquisition and material passports for circular building renovation and urban transformation. In this project, you will collaborate with researchers, professionals and public authorities from various EU member states.
What does working as a junior researcher at THUAS entail?
You work closely with the manager of the Experience Centre and you support the professors from two research groups, namely: Research Group Future Urban Systems (chaired by Professor Rizal Sebastian) and Research Group Civic Technology (chaired by Professor Jos van Leeuwen). You collaborate with researchers, lecturers and student assistants at these research groups. Your workplace is in the Experience Centre a.k.a. Innovation Playground, which is strategically located at the centre atrium of THUAS main campus.
You employ and extend your technical expertise to develop, operate and maintain digital solutions for smart cities with the focus on sustainability and citizen participation. You develop interoperability solutions between 3D information models, sensor data, AI algorithms, analytical software, and visualisation software and multimedia / immersive technology devices. You co-create and implement use cases in the Experience Centre and on the Digital Platform together with different research and education groups, the Lighthouse event organiser, and facility management department at THUAS, as well as ICT companies and representatives from the municipality and local community.
You mentor students and organize interactive sessions where innovative solutions are demonstrated, tested, monitored, and scaled up in case studies and living labs. You contribute to the publication of research findings in professional and scientific journals, presentations at symposia, and guest lectures in the fields of ICT, multimedia design, data science, and the built environment.
You are involved in Dutch and European research projects and provide input for the development of the research strategy of the research groups. You become a member of Centre of Expertise Mission Zero where the synergies are created between the Research Groups Future Urban Systems, Energy in Transition, Circular Business, and Designing Value Networks to support The Hague Climate Agreement. Through your role in the Research Group Civic Technology, you contribute to strengthening the collaboration with the Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transition communities.
What we ask from you
First and foremost, it is important that you share the goals of THUAS research agenda for sustainability, digital future, and just society, and our core values of diversity and equality. For this junior researcher position, the following qualifications are required:
- Bachelor of Science degree in a field related to design, software development, data science, AI, or information modelling for the built environment;
- Proven work experience with digital tools and platforms for spatial design and group collaboration;
- Proactive attitude, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with different partners and perform within a multidisciplinary team;
- Proficient in English, both written and spoken, and proven skills for writing technical reports and giving presentation for public audience. Proficiency in Dutch or commitment to learn Dutch at business level.
When you are invited for interviews, we would like to learn more about:
- Your motivation to work on applied research at a higher education institution;
- Your competencies and approach for the aforementioned challenge;
- Your analytical skills to understand and translate innovation challenges into practical solutions in a research project;
- Your communication skills and adaptability to work with multidisciplinary colleagues and multiple stakeholders in complex teamwork;
- Your ambition for personal development and a career at THUAS.
This is what makes you excited to come to work
As a junior researcher, we want you to be successful and enjoy your time at THUAS. Therefore, we offer you the following:
- A temporary appointment for a maximum of four years (D4) with an interim evaluation after one year, with a workload of 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week);
- A salary ranging from a minimum of € 3,370.00 to a maximum of € 4,582.91 gross per month (scale 9) for a full-time position;
- 8% holiday allowance;
- An end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;
- A generous number of holidays, approximately 53 days for a full-time position, including mandatory off-days and national holidays.
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)?
When you work at THUAS, you become part of one of the most dynamic and open organisations in the city of Peace and Justice. Together with 2,500 colleagues, you assist 26,000 students from over 120 different countries in preparing for a promising future in a world that changes every day. We achieve this by growing and evolving ourselves, aligning with the world's changes, and adapting to the desires of our students. We collaborate closely with colleagues, students, and the professional field. We look ahead, we are critical, and we are deeply rooted in society.
Diversity, inclusivity, and equality are central to everything we do. We aim for the composition of the student and staff population to reflect the society in which we operate, and we strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone. We acknowledge that this requires ongoing attention. We invest in this ourselves and welcome your assistance in this journey.
> Read more about our story and our core principles: Our story
> THUAS as an inclusive campus: www.thuas.com
Research Group Future Urban Systems
Cities play a crucial role in sustainability transitions. In the EU, more than 75% the population lives in cities. Globally, cities are responsible for more than 70% of global energy and resource consumptions as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The research group Future Urban Systems is dedicated to developing and implementing practical innovations for liveable, inclusive, and climate-neutral smart cities. It conducts applied research where researchers, educators, and students together with citizens, businesses, and local governments make direct impacts in urban living labs.
The research agenda of Future Urban Systems consists of 4 main themes, namely: digitalisation for sustainable built environment; community-driven energy transition in neighbourhoods; climate neutrality and resilience of buildings and districts; and circular building renovation, cultural heritage preservation, and urban regeneration. The research group, chaired by Professor Dr. Rizal Sebastian, encompasses multidisciplinary expertise, age diversity, and gender equality. It is part of the Centre of Expertise Mission Zero at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands.
Visit our website for more information: https://www.thuas.com/research/research-groups/future-urban-systems
Research Group Civic Technology
In a functional society, individual thinking and acting must relate to public values in a community. Technology can play a catalysing and mediating role here, e.g., with new means for community-building and for collaboration of citizens and governments in mutual participation. Important aspects are equality, inclusivity, deliberation, dialogue, and democracy, but also creativity, openness, and transparency.
The research group Civic Technology, chaired by Professor Jos van Leeuwen, develops knowledge on designing and applying interactive technology that contributes to areas such as democracy, citizen participation, community-building, and urban life. The research domain includes Smart City but focuses on Smart Citizen solutions that empower people in their role of citizen.
The research challenge for this group is, departing from a knowledge base in technology and application domains, to generate knowledge on designing interactive applications and user experiences that aim for an optimally constructive effect in society and for individual citizens. Our method is research through design – we create and evaluate innovations by exploring design spaces, studying their effectiveness, and optimising solutions. The group is part of the Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions at The Hague University of Aplied Sciences. Visit https://civictechnology.nl for more info.
Apply for the role of Junior Researcher at THUAS
- We are looking forward to receiving your application. Please apply before February 15, 2024 by sending us your CV and motivation letter using the button below;
- If we consider you to be a suitable candidate, we will invite you for an interview in February. Preparing a presentation may be part of our selection procedure;
- Would you like to know more about this position? Please send an email to Lucas Mastenbroek MSc, Researcher Digitalisation: l.mastenbroek@hhs.nl;
- For general information, send an email to Nicolo Vago at vacatures@hhs.nl.
You can apply through the application button; applications sent to these email addresses will not be considered.
We do not appreciate job acquisition services based on this vacancy.
