Jobid=623074976366996215 (0.028)
Postdoctoral Researcher Position on Evaluating Open Science Impact and Research Culture Change Vacancy number: 16601 Job type: Academic staff Contract hours min: 38 Contract hours max: 38 Location: Leiden Applying is possible up to and including: 18 juni 2026 Apply now
Postdoctoral Researcher Position on Evaluating Open Science Impact and Research Culture Change
Open science initiatives receive significant public investment promising enhanced transparency, collaboration, and accessibility. Yet understanding of whether these programs deliver their promised cultural and social outcomes remains limited. At CWTS/Leiden University we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead a two‑year innovative research project examining how open science contributes to research culture change through values mapping and impact pathway analysis. The project, entitled ‘Mapping the Value of Open Science: Developing an Evaluation Framework for Research Culture Change’ is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under its OS‑NL Research on Open Science funding instrument.
What you will do
The purpose of this position is to conduct original research developing theoretical and empirical insights into open science’s contributions to research culture transformations.
The research will entail:
- Conducting three in‑depth case studies of open science programmes in the Netherlands, examining how articulated values translate into practice and tracing pathways from interventions to culture change outcomes.
- Leading comprehensive qualitative research including 25–30 semi‑structured interviews, document analysis, and participant observation to understand value negotiation, impact planning processes, and organisational change dynamics.
- Mapping relationships between stated open science values and observed outcomes, identifying where values–practice alignments and misalignments occur and what factors enable or constrain value realisation.
- Tracing and analysing pathways linking open science activities to outputs, outcomes, and broader cultural transformations.
- Producing research outputs and conference presentations, while engaging with practitioners through workshops and stakeholder validation sessions.
You will work closely with Dr. Alex Rushforth (PI) and Dr. Louise Bezuidenhout (senior researcher).
Where you will work
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Education and Child Studies, Political Science, and Psychology.
Our institutes are dedicated to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. For an introduction to our faculty, visit our website.
What you bring
- An interest in theoretically‑informed empirical social science research.
- Fluency in English.
- PhD degree in sociology, science, technology, and innovation studies, organisation studies, information studies, or related discipline.
- Experience using qualitative methods.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Impeccable project management and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to fostering an open, safe, and inclusive working environment.
- Willingness to actively engage with the Evaluation and Culture Focal Area, contributing collaboratively to its intellectual community and strategic development.
What we offer
- Employment contract for 38 hours per week for 24 months (CLA).
- Salary between €4728 – €6433 gross per month, based on a full‑time appointment (38 hours).
- Holiday allowance (8 %), end‑of‑year bonus (8.3 %), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
- Flexible working hours and a minimum of 29 leave days. Options for extra leave or work extensions exist.
- Hybrid working possible within the Netherlands. Home‑working allowance and a laptop and mobile telephone provided.
- Through Healthy University, support for health and vitality activities.
What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We aim to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff feel valued and respected.
Want to apply or find out more?
For more information contact Alex Rushforth at Application deadline June 18. Applications processed immediately. For more information, see
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